Paris-Indian shooter Manu Bhaker is quietly confident as she heads into her third event at the Paris Olympics 2024, the women’s 25m pistol event. The 22-year-old has already made history by becoming the first athlete in Independent India to win multiple medals in a single Olympic Games.
Manu secured a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event last week and followed it up with another bronze alongside Sarabjot Singh in the 10m air pistol mixed team event on Tuesday. Now, she aims for a hat-trick in her favorite event, the women’s 25m pistol.
Despite her remarkable achievements, Manu urged the nation to continue supporting her even if she doesn’t finish on the podium. “I hope the love stays. I will definitely try my best. I hope people are not disappointed or angry,” she said, as quoted by PTI.
Extremely humbled by the support and wishes that have been pouring in. This is something that I've always dreamt of. Proud to perform at the biggest stage for my country 🇮🇳 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8U6sHOLulR
— Manu Bhaker🇮🇳 (@realmanubhaker) July 30, 2024
Manu, who won a 25m pistol bronze in Bhopal last year and a team event gold in Baku, is aware of the sport’s unpredictability at the highest level. “The feeling is surreal because I had not hoped I would win two medals in a single Olympics. There is one more match to go (in 25m sports pistol). So, I am looking forward to the next one, but I am grateful that I got another medal for India,” she added.
Acknowledging the comparisons with Indian sports legends like Neeraj Chopra and PV Sindhu, Manu humbly stated, “I can’t say that about myself; if people call me that then I am grateful. But my journey will continue, and there’s no stopping for me. I will keep working hard even if I win or lose.”
Manu Bhaker continues to inspire with her dedication and humility as she sets her sights on more Olympic glory.
