Union Sports Minister Praises Manu Bhaker’s Historical Bronze Medal at Paris Olympics: Says Extensive Resources Were Invested In Her Training

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/29th July 2024

Manu Bhaker has made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by clinching a bronze medal in the Women’s Air Pistol event, becoming the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal at the Olympics. Her remarkable achievement has garnered widespread acclaim, including a heartfelt congratulation from Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who highlighted the extensive support and resources invested in her training.

Bhaker’s stellar performance in the final, where she scored 221.7 points, not only secured her a place on the podium but also marked a significant milestone in Indian sports history. This bronze medal is a significant accomplishment for Bhaker, who had faced a challenging experience at the Tokyo Olympics, where a pistol malfunction thwarted her chances.

In his remarks, Mandaviya underscored the considerable efforts and financial backing that went into Bhaker’s preparation. He revealed that approximately Rs 2 crores were invested in her training, which included stints in Germany and Switzerland. This investment covered various aspects, from hiring specialized coaches to providing the necessary infrastructure and support. Mandaviya praised the “Khelo India” initiative, started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which played a crucial role in Bhaker’s development. This program has been instrumental in enhancing sports infrastructure, increasing competition levels, and identifying and nurturing young talents across the country.

Mandaviya expressed pride in Bhaker’s accomplishment, noting, “By winning the first bronze medal in the Paris Olympics, Manu Bhaker has made India proud. The support provided through the ‘Khelo India’ initiative, which includes financial assistance under the TOPS scheme, has been pivotal in her success. We are committed to creating an ecosystem that allows our athletes to perform at their best on both national and international stages.”

The Sports Minister also highlighted the ongoing competitions and expressed optimism about India’s prospects. He encouraged fans to support the athletes through social media campaigns like #CheerForBharat. Bhaker will continue to compete in the 10 m air pistol mixed team qualification rounds with partner Sarabjot Singh later in the day.

Additionally, other Indian shooters and archers are in action at the Paris Olympics. Ramita Jindal and Arjun Babuta are vying for medals in their respective shooting events, while the men’s archery team, featuring Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, and Pravin Jadhav, is set to compete in the quarterfinals.

Bhaker’s historic win also serves as a redemption for her after the Tokyo Olympics setback. Her performance is a testament to her resilience and the effectiveness of the support systems in place. South Korea’s Ye Jin secured the gold medal with an Olympic record score of 243.2 points, while Kim Yeji earned the silver with 241.3 points.

This landmark victory not only adds to India’s medal tally but also reinforces the nation’s growing prowess in Olympic sports. As Bhaker continues to compete, her achievements serve as an inspiration and a reminder of the positive impact of dedicated support and training in the world of competitive sports.