Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh: Thrilling Victory in the Bronze Medal Match
In a thrilling display of precision and resilience, Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh secured India’s second medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, earning bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. Their victory came after a tense showdown against South Korea, adding another accolade to Bhaker’s already impressive Olympic journey.
The duo’s journey to the podium was marked by intense competition and exceptional skill. Bhaker, who had already won an individual medal in the same discipline, teamed up with Singh to face South Korea’s Wonho Lee and Ye Jin Oh in the bronze medal match.
The Indian pair took an early lead, dominating the series with a 10-4 advantage, and further extended their lead to 14-6 after ten series of shots. Despite a late comeback attempt by the Koreans, Bhaker and Singh held their nerve, closing out the match with a score of 16-10.
Reflecting on their victory, Bhaker expressed her pride and gratitude. “I feel really proud. There’s a lot of gratitude that I was able to achieve this. Thank you for all the blessings. We can’t control everything, but we wanted to control what was in our hands. Our plan was to keep fighting till the last shot,” she said, her voice brimming with emotion.
Sarabjot Singh echoed her sentiments, acknowledging the pressure of the competition. “The game was tough. There was a lot of pressure. I am very happy,” he said, visibly relieved and elated after their hard-fought win.
The journey to the bronze medal match was no less challenging. Bhaker and Singh finished third in the qualification round with a score of 580, narrowly missing out on a chance to compete for gold by just one point. Their determination and focus, however, ensured they clinched the bronze, adding another proud moment to India’s Olympic history.
This victory makes Manu Bhaker the first Indian athlete to win multiple medals at a single Olympics, joining the ranks of Norman Pritchard, Sushil Kumar, and PV Sindhu as multi-medalists for India in the Summer Games. Her achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympics not only cements her legacy but also inspires future generations of Indian athletes.
As the nation celebrates their success, Bhaker and Singh’s triumph stands as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the unyielding spirit of Indian athletes on the world stage.
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