Manu Bhaker Scripts History: India’s First Female Shooter to Win an Olympic Medal

In a moment that will forever be etched in Indian sporting history, Manu Bhaker scripted a phenomenal chapter by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Manu not only made her nation proud with a podium finish but also blazed a trail for generations of aspiring athletes. Her remarkable journey from a small town in Haryana to the Olympic stage is nothing short of inspirational.

The Historic Feat in Paris

Manu Bhaker made headlines when she clinched the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event. Scoring a solid 221.7 points in the final, she stood tall against the best in the world and showcased nerves of steel. With this, she not only ended India’s medal drought in Olympic shooting but also became the first Indian woman ever to win an Olympic shooting medal—a feat that had eluded the country for decades.

And if that wasn’t enough, she followed it up with another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, partnering with Sarabjot Singh. This made her the first Indian athlete in independent India to win two medals in a single Olympic Games.

The Road to Redemption

Manu’s story is not just one of talent—it is a tale of resilience and redemption. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she had entered as a favourite but suffered a heartbreaking setback due to a pistol malfunction in the qualifying round. The mishap dashed her medal hopes and led to a wave of criticism and disappointment.

But Manu was not one to be bogged down by failure. She took the Tokyo experience as a lesson, fine-tuned her technique, upgraded her equipment, and returned mentally tougher than ever. Her Paris performance is a testament to her unbreakable spirit and her commitment to excellence.

Rising from Goria Village to Global Glory

Born in Goria village of Jhajjar district, Haryana, Manu Bhaker’s rise to prominence is a dream story. She was a prodigy from the beginning—excelling in boxing, skating, and martial arts before finally settling into shooting. Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy, was a constant source of encouragement.

Manu’s tryst with shooting began at the age of 13. Within just two years, she made a mark by winning gold at the 2017 National Games. But her true breakout came in 2018, when she won a gold medal at the ISSF World Cup, followed by gold at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. She also won India’s first-ever Youth Olympic gold medal in shooting the same year.

A Role Model for Indian Women in Sports

What makes Manu Bhaker’s Olympic triumph even more significant is the message it sends. For years, Indian shooting has been dominated by men. While legends like Abhinav Bindra, Gagan Narang, and Vijay Kumar have made their mark, women struggled to break into the elite list.

Manu’s historic medal ends that wait and gives Indian women shooters a seat at the Olympic table. Her achievement shows that with the right support and infrastructure, Indian girls can compete at the highest levels and win.

In interviews following her win, Manu dedicated her medal to every young girl in India and urged parents to encourage their daughters to pursue sports. She emphasized the need to break societal stereotypes and support talent, regardless of gender.

National Applause and Global Recognition

As soon as the results were announced, social media exploded with congratulatory messages. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the President of India, several state leaders, Bollywood stars, and sports legends hailed Manu’s courage and performance. PM Modi tweeted, “Manu Bhaker has scripted history. She is India’s pride and a role model for countless young sportspersons. Congratulations on your well-deserved Olympic medal.”

The international shooting fraternity also took note, praising her accuracy, composure, and tactical intelligence. Manu’s medal is expected to inspire reforms in India’s training systems and investments in women’s sports.

Training, Preparation, and the Winning Formula

Behind every Olympic success lies years of preparation, discipline, and sacrifice. Manu trained under national coaches at India’s elite shooting academies and even spent time abroad for advanced technical and psychological training.

She upgraded her pistol, followed a rigorous fitness regimen, and worked with a sports psychologist to develop mental toughness—crucial in precision sports like shooting. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain composure during tight finals is what made the difference in Paris.

The Stats and Achievements So Far

Here’s a quick look at Manu Bhaker’s career highlights so far:

Olympics (Paris 2024):

Bronze, Women’s 10m Air Pistol

Bronze, Mixed 10m Air Pistol Team (with Sarabjot Singh)


Youth Olympics 2018 (Buenos Aires):

Gold, 10m Air Pistol


Commonwealth Games 2018:

Gold, Women’s 10m Air Pistol


ISSF World Cup Medals:

Multiple gold, silver, and bronze across individual and team events


Asian Games, World Championships, and Nationals:

A consistent medalist and record-breaker



What’s Next for Manu?

While Paris was historic, Manu Bhaker is not done yet. With her eyes now set on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, she has already begun preparing. Her goal is not just to participate but to win gold and continue raising the bar for Indian shooting.

She is also likely to become a more visible figure in campaigns for girls’ education, gender equality, and sports development. Manu’s influence goes beyond shooting—she represents a new India that is confident, fearless, and ambitious.

Conclusion: A Legacy Begins

Manu Bhaker’s Olympic medals are more than individual accolades—they are symbols of change. They signify the arrival of Indian women on the world stage in shooting. They prove that dedication, self-belief, and resilience can overcome any obstacle.

As India celebrates this golden girl from Haryana, one thing is clear—Manu Bhaker has not just made history, she has made a legacy. A new chapter has begun in Indian sports, and Manu’s name will be etched at the very top.