Manu Bhaker achieves what no Indian athlete could in Olympic history since independence with two medals in Paris

Manu Bhaker who opened India's medal tally in the Paris Olympics 2024 created history on Day 4 of the Games. Bhaker became the first athlete of independent India to win two medals in a single edition of Olympics.
 

After winning a bronze medal at women's individual 10m air pistol event on Day 2, she won another bronze medal at 10m air pistol mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh on Day 4 of the Games.
 

Before Bhaker, British-origin Norman Pritchard won two silver medals in a single edition of Olympics. Coincidentally, the 1900 Games were hosted in Paris as well. 
 

Manu joins list of elite Indian Olympians

Manu also joined the list of Indian Olympic medalists who have won two medals in individual events. She is the third Indian since independence to achieve the feat. Sushil Kumar won a bronze at Beijing Olympics 2008 followed by a silver medal at London Olympics 2012 in men's 66kg wrestling event. The other athlete is shuttler PV Sindhu who won a silver medal in Rio Olympics 2016 and bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics 2020.

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Another shot at glory for Manu

Manu will have another chance to create history. She will complete in the 25m Pistol Women's event. The qualification will take place on August 2. If she wins a medal next month, the 22-year-old will become the first Indian athlete since their first participation in 1900 Games to win three medals in a single edition or overall (barring the medals hockey players won).

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Manu thanks everyone for their blessings

After the historic bronze medal, Bhaker said that she did not want to focus on what the rivals do.

"I'm feeling really proud and there is lot of gratitude, thanks for all the blessings" said the 22-year-old. 

 

"Actually we can't control (what the rivals will do), we can do what is in our hand, me and my partner thought let's just try our best and we will keep fighting till the end," she added.
 

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