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Indian pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, aiming for an unprecedented hat-trick of Olympic medals, delivered a stellar performance in the 25m sports pistol event at the ongoing Chateauroux Shooting World Cup on Friday. The 22-year-old sharpshooter, who has already secured two bronze medals in the 10m women's air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events, showcased her exceptional skills to finish second in qualification and book a place in the final.Bhaker's impressive display began in the 'precision' round, where she shot an impressive 294. Her accuracy and precision were even more evident in the rapid round, where she fired a remarkable 296, bringing her aggregate score to 590. This placed her just two points behind leader Veronika Major of Hungary, who shot an aggregate of 592 (294 and 298) to equal the Olympic record.Bhaker's performance is a testament to her unwavering determination and the hard work she has put in to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics. She has consistently performed at the highest level, winning multiple medals at international competitions. Her ability to maintain her focus and execute under pressure is a key factor in her success.India has made a strong start to the Chateauroux Shooting World Cup, winning all three medals so far in shooting. Bhaker's two bronze medals and Swapnil Kusale's bronze in the 50m rifle three-positions event have given the Indian contingent a solid foundation.Bhaker's performance in the 25m sports pistol event has raised expectations for her in the upcoming Olympic Games. She is one of India's brightest medal prospects in shooting and will be aiming to add to her already impressive collection of medals.

Manu Bhaker, India's shooting prodigy, has etched her name in history by becoming the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single Olympics. At just 22 years old, she has already achieved remarkable success, but remains humble and determined as she prepares for her final event at the Games.Bhaker's journey to Olympic glory began with a bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol event. She then teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to secure another bronze in the mixed 10m air pistol event. These medals are a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering focus.Despite her historic achievements, Bhaker remains grounded and understands the pressure that comes with being an elite athlete. She expressed her gratitude for the support she has received but also acknowledged the fear of disappointing her fans. "I hope the love stays. I will definitely try my best. I hope people are not disappointed. Please don't be angry if I don't win another medal," she said.Bhaker's success is particularly poignant given her disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where a pistol malfunction prevented her from achieving her Olympic dream. The heartbreak she experienced has made her appreciate her medals even more. "After the experience in Tokyo, I realize how special winning this (medal) is," she said.Bhaker's performance has drawn comparisons to former 10m air rifle shooter Abhinav Bindra, who became a household name after winning gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, Bhaker remains focused on her own journey and is determined to continue working hard for more glory. "I can't say that about myself (becoming a female sporting icon); 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," she said.Bhaker looks up to ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and shuttler PV Sindhu as role models. "I've always looked up to athletes like Neeraj (Chopra) (PV) Sindhu, who have always been able to prove themselves at certain levels," she said.As Bhaker prepares for her final event in the 25m sports pistol, she remains confident and determined. Her journey is an inspiration to young athletes across India, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

Manu Bhaker's Olympic journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions. In Tokyo 2020, a technical glitch with her pistol shattered her dreams of reaching the final. Three years later, Bhaker has not only redeemed herself but has also become the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics since the nation's independence.In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Bhaker reflected on her remarkable achievement. "Victory cannot teach you what defeat teaches you," she said. "From Tokyo, the journey has been full of ups and downs. I've tried my best in performing in all the competitions, but sometimes you just can't keep up."Bhaker's success is a testament to her unwavering determination and the guidance of her coach, Jaspal Rana. "The planning part was definitely entirely Jaspal sir's programme," she said. "He planned it according to if my shoulder is in good shape. I always look at him whenever I lack courage or I want to feel more confident."Confidence is crucial in major competitions, and Bhaker credits her family, friends, and training environment for instilling it in her. "When you come to a major Games, confidence plays a huge part," she said. "It comes from the roots, from my family, from my friends, from the atmosphere I trained in the last two-three years, and from my coach."Bhaker's journey at Paris 2024 may not be over yet. She is set to participate in the 25m air pistol events, where she will aim to add to her medal tally. Her achievements have already made her a role model for aspiring shooters and a source of pride for India.

Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh, both 22-year-old Indian shooters, have etched their names in history by winning the bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed event at the ongoing ISSF World Cup in Chateauroux, France.Bhaker, a seasoned Olympian, displayed her experience and composure throughout the competition. She guided her younger teammate, Sarabjot, who was making his Olympic debut, through the intricacies of the event.The Indian duo faced a tough challenge in the bronze medal match against Korea's Lee Won-ho and Oh Ye-jin. However, they remained unfazed and dominated the match with a score of 16-10.Bhaker's steady shooting and Sarabjot's quick recovery from an initial setback proved crucial for their victory. Bhaker's ability to maintain her focus and execute precise shots under pressure was evident throughout the match.Sarabjot, despite being a first-time Olympian, showed remarkable resilience and composure. He quickly regained his composure after a shaky start and contributed significantly to the team's success.The bronze medal is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both Bhaker and Sarabjot. It is also a significant achievement for India, as it marks the country's first medal in the mixed event at the ISSF World Cup.The victory has not only boosted the confidence of the Indian shooters but has also inspired other athletes at the Games. Indian shuttler Satwiksairaj Rankireddy expressed his admiration for Bhaker's performance, saying, "To win two medals, not only one, is not easy."Bhaker and Sarabjot's success is a reminder of the potential of Indian shooters and the bright future that lies ahead for the sport in the country.

India's Olympic shooting woes continued on Tuesday as trap shooter Prithviraj Tondaiman failed to qualify for the final round, finishing 21st among 30 marksmen. Despite shooting two perfect scores of 25 in the last two qualification rounds, Tondaiman's aggregate score of 118/125 fell short of the top-six shooters who shot 123 each.Tondaiman, 37, had a disappointing start to the qualification round on Monday, shooting 22, 25, and 21. However, he rebounded with two perfect-25s on Tuesday, but it was too little too late.In the women's trap event, Rajeshwari Kumari and Shreyasi Singh also struggled. Rajeshwari shot 68 out of 75 over three rounds of qualification on Day 1, while Shreyasi was further down at 22nd. The two will play two more rounds of qualification on Wednesday before the top-six finalists are decided.Meanwhile, pistol shooter Manu Bhaker added a second bronze to her kitty in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, partnering with Sarabjot Singh.

Sarabjot Singh's remarkable journey culminated in a historic bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, alongside Manu Bhaker in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. This triumph marked a significant milestone for India, as Manu became the first athlete to win multiple medals at a single Olympics since independence, while Sarabjot became the first Indian shooter to secure a medal since 2012.Hailing from a humble background in Ambala, Sarabjot's passion for shooting ignited during a summer camp. Despite his father's initial hesitation, Sarabjot's determination and talent led him to pursue the sport under the guidance of coach Abhishek Rana.In 2019, Sarabjot emerged as a rising star, winning gold at the Junior World Championship. His success continued with team gold and mixed team silver at the 2023 Asian Games, and individual bronze at the 2023 Asian Championships, securing his Olympic quota.At the Paris Olympics, Sarabjot's redemption story unfolded. After narrowly missing out on the final in the individual event, he teamed up with Manu Bhaker to dominate the mixed team competition. Their combined score of 261.3, with Sarabjot contributing 110.2, proved too strong for South Korea.Sarabjot's journey to the top is a testament to his unwavering determination and the support of his family and coach. His success not only brings glory to India but also inspires aspiring shooters across the country.

Manu Bhaker's Olympic triumph has brought joy to India, but her coach, Jaspal Rana, faces a different reality. Despite his role in Manu's success, Rana has been struggling financially for the past three years, without a regular salary from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) or any other sporting body.Rana's plight stems from a fallout with Manu after her disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where a pistol malfunction hindered her medal chances. However, the duo reconciled and worked together to achieve Manu's bronze medal in Paris.Rana's emotional outburst during an interview with RevSportz revealed the abuse he endured after Manu's Tokyo exit. He questioned the hypocrisy of those who now seek interviews with him after vilifying him.Despite his delight in Manu's Olympic success, Rana emphasized his financial struggles. He expressed his gratitude to PT Usha and Captain Ajay Narang for facilitating his accreditation for the Paris Games, but acknowledged the challenges he faced even with that.Rana's coaching approach with Manu involves subtle tweaks rather than imposing his views. He believes in empowering shooters with their own knowledge and skills.Rana's financial situation has taken a toll on him. He expressed his desire to find a job upon his return to India, highlighting the difficulties he has faced in the past three years.Rana's story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by coaches and support staff in the sporting world. While athletes receive the limelight, those who guide them often struggle to make ends meet.

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has etched her name in history by becoming the first woman from the country to win an Olympic medal in shooting. At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Bhaker secured a bronze medal in the 10m Women's Individual Air Pistol event, marking a significant milestone for Indian sports.Bhaker's triumph is a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. After experiencing a disappointing malfunction in her pistol at the Tokyo Olympics, she returned to the world stage with renewed focus and determination. Her performance in Paris not only brought glory to India but also inspired countless aspiring shooters across the nation.In the qualification round, Bhaker displayed her exceptional skills, finishing third to secure a place in the final. The final was a nail-biting affair, with Bhaker facing stiff competition from top shooters worldwide. However, she remained composed and focused, delivering a series of precise shots that ultimately earned her the bronze medal.Bhaker's victory has been met with widespread praise and recognition. In addition to the Eiffel Tower badge awarded to all medalists at the Paris Games, she has received accolades from the Indian government and sports authorities. Her achievement has also sparked a renewed interest in shooting among young Indians, who now see her as a role model and inspiration.Bhaker's success is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the growing strength of Indian shooting. The country has produced several world-class shooters in recent years, and Bhaker's medal is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of these athletes and their coaches.As the Paris Olympics continue, Bhaker has the opportunity to add to her medal tally. She is scheduled to compete in the mixed team 10m Air Pistol event alongside her partner Sarabjot Singh. If they manage to secure a medal in this event, Bhaker will further cement her status as one of India's greatest shooters.

Manu Bhaker, India's shooting sensation, has once again proven her mettle at the Paris Olympics. A day after securing India's first medal, Bhaker has qualified for the 10m air pistol mixed team bronze playoff alongside Sarabjot Singh.The Indian duo finished third in the qualification round with a combined score of 580, including 20 hits on the target. Bhaker shot 98, 98, and 95 in her three series, while Singh shot 95, 97, and 97.Turkey's Sevval Ilayda Tarhan and Yusuf Dikec topped the competition with a combined score of 582, equaling the Olympic qualification record. They will face Serbians Zorana Arunovic and Damir Mikec in the gold medal match.Bhaker and Singh will take on South Koreans Oh Ye Jin and Lee Wonho in the bronze medal match on Tuesday. The Indian shooters will be aiming to add another medal to India's tally.Bhaker has been in impressive form throughout the Olympics, having already won a silver medal in the women's 10m air pistol event. If she medals in the mixed team event, she will become the first Indian athlete to claim multiple medals at the same edition of the Games.She will also become the second Indian female after shuttler PV Sindhu to claim two Olympic medals and the third Indian sportsperson to do so after Sindhu and wrestler Sushil Kumar.