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Indian rifle shooter Ramita Jindal narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024, placing seventh in the final of the 10-meter air rifle women's competition. Despite the setback, Jindal expressed gratitude for the invaluable experience gained during her Olympic debut."The experience was truly exceptional," Jindal said. "I've learned so much here, and I'm taking these lessons with me. There's a lot to learn, and I'll use this experience to improve in the upcoming season."Jindal acknowledged the significant growth and skills acquired during her Olympic journey. She emphasized the importance of these takeaways, which she believes will contribute to her personal and professional development. She is determined to apply these insights to achieve success in the upcoming season.Jindal extended her admiration to Manu Bhaker, who won a bronze medal in the same event. She expressed that Bhaker's achievement has instilled hope and motivation within the team."After Manu's medal, we now have that hope because Manu and I have been competing for a long time," Jindal said. "It's motivating for us to know that if she can do it, we can too. The team is very confident now."Jindal praised Bhaker's hard work and dedication, believing that she is a deserving recipient of the medal. She expressed that Bhaker serves as an inspiration to the team, and her achievements will be a source of motivation for all."Bhaker is my inspiration," Jindal said. "When I started my career, she was already in Tokyo and in great form. I've been observing her for a long time. She's very hardworking, and she definitely deserves the medal. Everyone will look up to her and her dedication."Jindal emphasized the collective effort and competitive spirit within the shooting contingent. She expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform well and potentially secure more medals."There can be more medals," Jindal said. "Everyone has worked really hard. We can bring more medals, and everyone is very competitive and in good form to perform well."

India's medal hopes at the Paris 2024 Olympics received a boost on Saturday as Manu Bhaker secured a bronze medal in the women's 10m Air Pistol event. This achievement propelled India to 22nd place in the medal tally.Japan currently leads the standings with an impressive haul of four golds, two silvers, and one bronze. Their dominance was evident in Fencing (Men's Épée Individual), Judo (men and women), and women's Street Skateboarding.South Korea has emerged as a strong contender, overtaking Australia and tying with Japan with seven total medals. Their standout performance came from 16-year-old Ban Hyojin, who shattered records in the women's 10m air rifle, equaling the Olympic record set by China in Tokyo 2020.Australia remains in third place with six medals (4 gold, 2 silver). Despite leading in total medals (12), the USA has only secured three golds in fencing and swimming events. They have also accumulated six silver and three bronze medals.Day 3 of the Games promises to be action-packed with 22 medal events. Great Britain's Tom Daley will attempt to defend his gold medal in the men's synchronized 10m platform.For India, Arjun Babuta will vie for a medal in the 10m air rifle men's final. While Ramita Jindal narrowly missed out on a medal in the women's 10m air rifle final, Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh have advanced to the bronze medal match in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.Bhaker's potential to become the first Indian athlete to win two medals at the same Olympic Games has ignited excitement among Indian fans. Her historic achievement in Tokyo 2020 as the first Indian woman to clinch a shooting medal has set the stage for another remarkable performance.

Manu Bhaker's historic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics marks a triumphant return for the young shooter after a challenging period. Bhaker's journey to the podium was not without its obstacles, but with the unwavering support of her coach, Jaspal Rana, she overcame adversity to become the first Indian markswoman to win an Olympic shooting medal.After a disappointing exit at the Tokyo Games in 2021, Bhaker contemplated giving up shooting. However, Rana's belief in her potential reignited her passion. Rana's guidance and encouragement helped Bhaker rediscover her focus and determination.In the women's 10m Air Pistol final, Bhaker displayed nerves of steel. Despite facing stiff competition, she maintained her composure and shot with precision. Her bronze medal not only ended India's 12-year wait for a shooting medal at the Olympics but also cemented her place in Indian sporting history.Bhaker's success is a testament to her resilience and the transformative power of mentorship. Rana's unwavering support and belief in her abilities played a crucial role in her journey to the podium.Bhaker's victory is a source of inspiration for aspiring shooters and athletes alike. It demonstrates that even in the face of setbacks, perseverance and the support of a dedicated coach can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana's unique training regimen has been instrumental in their success in shooting. During each training session, they set a specific target score. If Manu fails to achieve it, she incurs a fine equivalent to the deficit in points. This fine is either donated or used to purchase items for distribution to people in need.Rana's coaching methods are unconventional and demanding. He pushes Manu to her limits, both technically and mentally. This approach has helped Manu regain her focus and love for shooting after a period of setbacks.After a bitter public fallout, Manu reached out to Rana, seeking his guidance once again. Rana's unwavering belief in her potential and his rigorous training methods have played a crucial role in Manu's redemption.In preparation for the Chateauroux competition, Rana subjected Manu to intense training in conditions that simulated the warm temperatures inside the ranges. This meticulous preparation paid off, as Manu secured a bronze medal.Rana's passion for the sport is matched by Manu's dedication. Their journey has been marked by challenges, but they have emerged stronger and more determined. Rana believes that Manu has the potential to push her limits even further and achieve greater success in the future.

Manu Bhaker, India's shooting prodigy, has made history by becoming the first Indian female shooter to reach the final of an individual shooting event at the Olympic Games. Three years after the heartbreak of Tokyo, Bhaker produced a supremely confident performance to qualify for the women's 10m air pistol final at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.Bhaker's journey to the final was not without its challenges. In the qualifications, she faced stiff competition from Hungarian ace Veronika Major, who claimed the top spot with a score of 582. However, Bhaker remained composed and shot 580 to finish third, securing her place in the final.The 22-year-old from Jhajjar has been through a rollercoaster of emotions since her disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. A pistol malfunction during the qualifications reduced her to tears, but she has shown remarkable resilience to bounce back from that setback.Bhaker's personal coach, Jaspal Rana, was overcome with emotion after witnessing her performance. "What happened today doesn't matter anymore. Tomorrow is when it counts. We start afresh," he said.Bhaker's success is a testament to her hard work and determination. She has won numerous medals on the international stage, including a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. If she takes the top podium spot in the final on Sunday, she will become the only Indian shooter to win a gold medal at the Olympics.India has not won an Olympic medal in shooting since 2012, and Bhaker is well-placed to end that lean run. Her performance in the qualifications has given her a strong foundation for the final, and she will be determined to make history for her country.

Paris Olympics 2024: India's Day 2 Schedule and Medal HopesDay 2 of India's campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics promises to be action-packed, with several medal contenders taking center stage.Shooting: Manu Bhaker's Redemption QuestManu Bhaker, India's pistol shooting sensation, will be the focus of attention as she aims to secure the country's first medal at the Games. After a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics, Bhaker is determined to make amends. She will compete in the women's 10m air pistol final, where she will face stiff competition from Hungarian ace Veronika Major.Badminton: Sindhu and Prannoy Begin CampaignsTwo-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu will kick off her women's singles campaign against FN Abdul Razzaq of Maldives. Sindhu, who was India's flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony, will be looking to add to her impressive medal tally. HS Prannoy will also begin his men's singles journey, facing Fabian Roth of Germany.Archery: Women's Team Targets SemifinalsThe Indian women's archery team, comprising Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur, and Deepika Kumari, will aim for a semifinal spot in the team event. They will face either France or the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.Other EventsElavenil Valarivan will compete in the women's 10m air rifle qualification, while Sandeep Singh and Arjun Babuta will represent India in the men's 10m air rifle qualification.In table tennis, Achanta Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra, and Sreeja Akula will open their respective singles campaigns.Balraj Panwar will participate in the men's single sculls repechage in rowing.Srihari Nataraj and Dhinidhi Desinghu will represent India in the men's 100m backstroke and women's 200m freestyle swimming events, respectively.In tennis, Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji will play in the men's doubles round 1, while Sumit Nagal will face Corentin Moutet of France in the men's singles round 1.

Indian shooting star Manu Bhaker has emerged as a beacon of hope for the nation at the ongoing Olympic Games, securing a spot in the 10m women's air pistol final. Her remarkable consistency and determination have been a much-needed positive amidst an otherwise underwhelming performance by her compatriots.Bhaker's journey to the final has been marked by resilience and unwavering focus. After a disappointing debut at the Tokyo Games three years ago, she has been determined to make amends and add an Olympic medal to her impressive resume. Her qualification score of 580, securing third place, is a testament to her hard work and dedication.In contrast, the men's 10m air pistol event proved to be a disappointment for Indian shooters. Sarabjot Singh and Arjun Singh Cheema displayed flashes of brilliance but ultimately failed to advance to the final. Singh finished ninth with a score of 577, while Cheema ended in 18th place with a score of 574.Bhaker's achievement is particularly significant as she becomes the first Indian female shooter to qualify for an individual Olympic final in the last 20 years. Suma Shirur was the last Indian shooter to reach this feat, when she qualified for the 10m Air Rifle final in Athens 2004.Bhaker's performance has been a welcome respite for Indian shooting, which has faced criticism for its underwhelming performance in recent years. Her determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to aspiring shooters and a reminder that even in the face of setbacks, success can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.

Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old pistol shooter, is preparing for her second Olympics with a renewed mindset and the guidance of her coach, Jaspal Rana. After a bitter fallout before the Tokyo Games, the duo has reconciled and is working together to achieve success in Paris.Bhaker, known for her Gen Z lingo, has matured significantly since her teenage years. She now understands the importance of not dwelling on failures or successes, recognizing that people's memories fade over time. Rana has noticed her growing maturity and believes she is more practical and calm.The relationship between Bhaker and Rana extends beyond coach and athlete. Rana serves as her mental coach, fitness coach, yoga coach, father figure, and friend. He has helped her regain her love for shooting and find peace in the foothills of Dehradun.Rana emphasizes the importance of making Bhaker an independent shooter and not overanalyzing scores or data. He believes in her abilities and encourages her to be brave and free in her approach. Bhaker credits Rana with helping her "chill" and stop working with a sports psychologist.Despite their different interests, Bhaker and Rana share a close bond. They go for walks together in the evening, where Bhaker can talk about anything she wishes. Rana provides her with the support and guidance she needs, both on and off the range.Bhaker's newfound approach is evident in her preparation for the Paris Olympics. She is determined to avoid unnecessary pressure and focus on enjoying the moment. Rana's presence at the range gives her courage and confidence.

Manu Bhaker, a rising star in women's pistol shooting, is making waves in the sport. Born in Jhajjar, Haryana, Bhaker's passion for sports began early, with her participating in tennis, skating, boxing, and thang ta. However, it was at the age of 14 that she discovered her true calling in shooting.Within a week of trying the sport, Bhaker asked her father to purchase her a sports shooting pistol. Her determination and talent quickly became evident, and in 2017, she made headlines by defeating Olympian Heena Sidhu at the national shooting championships. Bhaker's record-breaking score of 242.3 in the 10m Air Pistol final set the stage for her meteoric rise.Bhaker's international debut came in 2018 at the Asian Games, where she set a game's record score of 593 in the qualification round of the 25m Air pistol event. Despite her impressive performance, she narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing 6th in the final.Undeterred, Bhaker went on to secure the top position in the women's 10m air pistol event at the 2018 Youth Olympics. At the age of 16, she became the first Indian shooter and the first female athlete from India to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games.Bhaker's success continued in 2021, when she qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. She finished 12th in the women's 10m air pistol event, but her performance showcased her potential and determination.Now, Bhaker is setting her sights on the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she will compete in the women's 25m pistol event. Coached by pistol shooter Jaspal Rana, Bhaker is confident in her abilities and is working hard to achieve her Olympic dream.