Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh achieved a remarkable feat by winning the bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking India’s second medal at these Games. The competition took place at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre on July 30, 2024.
The Indian duo showcased exceptional skill and composure throughout the event. They secured their place in the bronze medal match after finishing third in the qualification round with a score of 580 points, which included 20 perfect shots.
In the bronze medal match, they faced the South Korean team of Oh Ye Jin and Wonho Lee, who had previously won gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event. Bhaker and Singh triumphed with a score of 16-10, demonstrating a strong performance that included a series of high-scoring shots from both competitors.
Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh Match Highlights
Early Lead: India started strong, leading 4-2 after the third series and extending their advantage to 8-2 by the fifth series.
Korean Challenge: South Korea narrowed the gap to 10-6 after the eighth series, but Bhaker and Singh maintained their composure to secure the victory.
Key Shots: Manu Bhaker consistently scored above 10 in her first seven shots, while Sarabjot Singh recovered from an initial low score to contribute significantly to their total points.
Historical Significance
This victory is particularly significant for several reasons:
First for Sarabjot: This is Sarabjot Singh’s first Olympic medal, adding to his growing reputation in the sport.
Second Medal for Manu: Manu Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win multiple medals at a single Olympic Games, having previously secured a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event just days earlier. She joins an elite group of Indian athletes who have won multiple medals across different Olympic editions.
India’s Shooting Legacy: This medal marks India’s sixth Olympic medal in shooting and is the first-ever in a shooting team event. The success in shooting at Paris 2024 is a significant rebound from the previous two Olympic Games, where India failed to secure any medals in shooting events.