Manu Bhaker Disappointed After Missing Third Medal in Paris Olympics’ Women’s 25m Pistol Event

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/3rd August 2024

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker expressed her dissatisfaction despite a commendable overall performance at the Paris Olympics. After securing two medals earlier in the games, Bhaker narrowly missed out on a third, finishing fourth in the women’s 25m pistol event. Her reaction underscores the competitive spirit and high standards she sets for herself.

Bhaker, who has previously achieved significant success, including winning bronze in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event and contributing to another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event, had high expectations for her performance in the 25m pistol event. Despite her previous victories, Bhaker conveyed that finishing just shy of a podium spot was not fulfilling for her. “Fourth place is not a very good place,” Bhaker commented on JioCinema, reflecting her frustration over the near miss.

The women’s 25m pistol event proved to be a tough competition. Bhaker was locked in a close shoot-off against Hungary’s Veronika Major, a former world record holder. The two shooters were tied at 28 points, showcasing the high level of competition. Ultimately, Jiin Yang from South Korea claimed the gold medal, with France’s Camille Jedrzejewski taking the silver.

Bhaker’s achievements throughout the Olympics were noteworthy. Her initial bronze medal in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event marked the beginning of India’s medal tally at these games. Following that, she teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to secure another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. Her performance highlighted her skill and consistency across multiple shooting disciplines.

While Bhaker’s fourth-place finish in the 25m pistol event is a testament to her competitive edge, it also reflects the razor-thin margins that define elite sports. Despite the close result, Bhaker’s overall performance at the Olympics remains impressive, contributing significantly to India’s success in shooting sports. Her dissatisfaction with the fourth place underscores her drive and ambition, traits that have propelled her career so far.

In summary, Manu Bhaker’s journey at the Paris Olympics was marked by remarkable achievements and a notable near miss. Her comments on her fourth-place finish reveal a deep-seated desire for excellence and a commitment to pushing beyond her limits. As she reflects on her performances, Bhaker remains a prominent figure in the shooting sports arena, with a bright future ahead despite the close calls at this year’s Olympics.