July 30, 2024: On a balmy Tuesday in Paris, the Chateauroux Shooting Range echoed with the sound of determination and focus. India’s Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh were poised at the 10m air pistol mixed team event, ready to etch their names into Olympic history. The pair faced the formidable Republic of Korea team, comprised of Lee Wonho and Oh Ye Jin, in a tense bronze medal match.
The Early Struggle and Resilient Comeback
The air was thick with anticipation as the competition commenced. The Korean duo, known for their precision and calm under pressure, took an early lead in the first series. Lee Wonho and Oh Ye Jin’s flawless shots set the bar high, pushing India into an initial 0-2 deficit.
However, Bhaker and Singh were undeterred. The young duo regrouped, drawing on their rigorous training and unyielding spirit. In a remarkable display of resilience, they surged ahead, securing an 8-2 lead. Each shot fired by the Indian pair was a testament to their skill and synergy, with Bhaker notably scoring 10.0 or more in 10 of her 13 shots.
Maintaining the Lead Under Pressure
The atmosphere was electric, the tension palpable as the contest progressed. The Korean team fought back valiantly, narrowing the gap and keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. But Bhaker and Singh, embodying the true spirit of competition, maintained their composure. They exhibited a masterclass in precision and mental fortitude, ensuring that they never relinquished their lead.
A Historic Victory
The scoreboard read 16-10 in favor of India when the final shot was fired. Victory was theirs. The Chateauroux Shooting Range erupted in applause as Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh embraced, their faces alight with joy and relief. This bronze medal was not just a testament to their shooting prowess but also their unwavering determination and teamwork.
Manu Bhaker, at just 22 years old, made history as the first Indian to win two medals in the same edition of the Olympics. Having already secured a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event on Sunday, she added another feather to her cap with this mixed team bronze. Sarabjot Singh, too, joined an elite group, becoming the sixth Indian shooter to win a medal at the Summer Games.
Scoreline and Highlights
Scoreline:
- Manu Bhaker-Sarabjot Singh (IND): 16
- Lee Wonho-Oh Ye Jin (KOR): 10
Key Highlights:
- Manu Bhaker’s consistent scoring, with 10.0 or more in 10 of her 13 shots.
- India’s impressive comeback and sustained lead after an initial 0-2 deficit.
- The duo’s historic win making Bhaker the first Indian to win two medals at the same Olympics and Singh the sixth Indian shooter to medal at the Summer Games.
The Aftermath
The victory was celebrated across India, with messages of congratulations pouring in from all corners. Bhaker and Singh’s achievement not only added to India’s medal tally but also inspired countless young shooters to dream big and aim high. Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes on the global stage.
