Press Information Bureau

Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh secured the Bronze Medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the Paris 2024 Olympics in a thrilling showcase of precision and resilience. The dynamic duo clinched the bronze after a decisive victory over the Republic of Korea. The duo triumphed over the Republic of Korea with a score of 16-10 following 13 shots in the final round of mixed 10m Air Pistol team event.

This achievement not only underscores their exceptional talent but also marks a historic milestone for Indian shooting sports. For Manu Bhaker, it is her second bronze medal of the Paris Games, making her the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic edition. She is also in contention for a third medal in the Women’s 25m Pistol event, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding her performance.

Road to the Medal

Qualification Round: Manu and Sarabjot earned their spot in the bronze medal shoot-off with a commendable score of 580 in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Qualification Round.

Final Round: The final saw them outshine their opponents with precision and poise, ultimately prevailing over the Republic of Korea in a high-pressure shoot-off.

 

Sarabjot Singh

Born in Dheen village, Ambala, Haryana, Sarabjot Singh has emerged as a rising star on the Indian shooting scene. Initially dreaming of becoming a footballer, his encounter with air pistol shooting during a summer camp set him on a new path, leading him to remarkable achievements![2]

 

Sarabjot has accumulated a series of impressive accolades, including gold medals at the Asian Games (2022), World Cup events, and Junior World Championships. His successes are supported by financial backing from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and the Annual Calendar for Training and Competitions (ACTC), which have facilitated his training and participation in international competitions.

 

 

 

 

 

Manu Bhaker

Manu Bhaker's journey from Jhajjar, Haryana, to Olympic glory is nothing short of inspiring. Her initial foray into sports included tennis, skating, and martial arts, but it was shooting that captured her passion. At just 14, she transitioned to shooting, and her rapid rise in the sport has been phenomenal.

 

Manu's achievements include gold medals at the Commonwealth Games (2018), World Cup events, and a significant presence at the World Championships. Her recent bronze medal in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol event at Paris 2024 further solidifies her status as one of India's top shooters.

 

 

Government’s Support and Achievements

The Indian government has played a pivotal role in fostering a thriving sports environment, exemplified by its robust support for athletes like Sarabjot Singh and Manu Bhaker. Sarabjot's journey highlights this commitment, with comprehensive assistance provided for his training and participation in international competitions. This included crucial support for his coach and coverage of expenses for his trainer, Mr. Abhishek Rana, ensuring he received top-notch guidance and preparation for major events like the Volmerange OTC and the Paris Olympics 2024. He received financial assistance of Rs 20,24,928 under TOPS and Rs 1,26,20,970 under the Annual Calendar for Training and Competitions (ACTC).

Similarly, Manu Bhaker has received invaluable support for ammunition, weapon servicing, pellet and ammunition testing, and barrel selection. Additionally, Manu’s preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics was greatly enhanced by targeted assistance for training with her coach, Mr. Jaspal Rana, in Luxembourg. Such meticulous support reflects the Indian government's commitment to nurturing talent and providing athletes with the resources they need to excel on the global stage. She received financial assistance of Rs 28,78,634 under TOPS and Rs 1,35,36,155 under ACTC.

With their remarkable performances and unconditional support from various schemes, Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh have not only brought home a prestigious medal but have also set a new benchmark in Indian shooting sports. Their journey and success are a reflection of their hard work, dedication, and the collective effort of the sports ecosystem in India.

References

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2039041

https://olympic.ind.in/athletes-hub

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1818194398762422534/photo/1

https://x.com/PIB_India/status/1818193988752691586/photo/1

https://x.com/AkashvaniAIR/status/1818199605252690031/photo/1

https://x.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1818199798002168070/photo/1

Pathway to Paris pdf

Indian Athletes: Paris Olympics 2024 pdf

https://x.com/PIB_India/status/1817529677164212654

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2038138

Click here to see in PDF

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Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena / Sheetal Angral /Ritu Kataria/ Madiha Iqbal

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