Manu Bhaker etched her name in history by securing two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, marking a turning point for Indian shooting. With three bronze medals overall, including Sarabjot Singh's triumph in the 10m mixed team event and Swapnil Kusale's in the 50m rifle 3-positions, India ended a decade-long medal drought in the sport.
Manu's stellar performance highlighted her extraordinary talent, as she claimed a bronze in the 10m air pistol and followed it with another in the 10m mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. This achievement made her the first Indian woman to win two medals at a single Olympic Games.
Her journey to success was particularly remarkable given the disappointment at the Tokyo Olympics, where a pistol malfunction dashed her hopes. This time, Manu displayed unwavering determination at the Chateauroux range on the outskirts of Paris, delivering a champion’s performance that ended India's long wait for a shooting medal.
The Team's Collective Glory
India fielded a record 21 shooters at the Paris Games, and the results were a testament to the sport's growing prominence in the country. Swapnil Kusale’s bronze in the 50m rifle 3-positions was another highlight, capping off a successful campaign for Indian shooters.
While the spotlight remained on Manu, Sarabjot Singh also made a remarkable comeback after battling a severe injury that had sidelined him for over six months. His perseverance and meticulous rehabilitation culminated in a joint bronze medal with Manu in the mixed team event.
The Role of Coaches
Manu credited her coach, Jaspal Rana, for playing a pivotal role in her success. Despite facing challenges, including restrictions imposed by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), Jaspal’s support was unwavering. Their relationship, which had once soured before the Tokyo Olympics, has now flourished, promising greater achievements at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Similarly, Swapnil Kusale’s coach, Deepali Deshpande, found redemption as her ward claimed India’s first-ever Olympic medal in the 50m rifle 3-positions. Having faced criticism after India’s poor showing in Tokyo, Deepali’s guidance underscored the importance of personal coaches in achieving excellence.
Narrow Misses and a Promising Future
While Manu, Sarabjot, and Swapnil celebrated their wins, others like Arjun Babuta and the mixed skeet team of Maheshwari Chauhan and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka narrowly missed podium finishes. Manu herself came close to a historic hat-trick, finishing fourth in the 25m sports pistol event. These performances, though short of medals, hint at a bright future for Indian shooting.
Controversies and Challenges
The lead-up to the Paris Olympics was fraught with controversies surrounding the NRAI’s Olympic Selection Trials (OST). Allegations of unfair criteria led to litigation, with some top shooters, including world champion Rudrankksh Patil and Tilottama Sen, missing out on the Games. Despite these setbacks, the team’s performance showcased the resilience and potential of Indian shooters.
A New Dawn for Indian Shooting
The Paris Olympics signified a resurgence for Indian shooting, with Manu Bhaker’s achievements leading the way. Her success, coupled with the team’s overall performance, sets the stage for an even brighter future as the focus shifts to the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
