On July 28, India began its Olympic medal quest as Manu Bhaker secured the bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics.
This achievement makes her the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal and ends a 12-year drought for an overall Olympic medal in shooting. Following her victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to extend his congratulations. He wrote, "A historic medal! Congratulations, @realmanubhaker, for winning India’s FIRST medal at #ParisOlympics2024! Kudos on the Bronze. This achievement is even more significant as she becomes the first woman from India to win an Olympic medal in shooting. An extraordinary accomplishment! #Cheer4Bharat"
In addition to PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu also praised Bhaker for her bronze medal. She wrote, “Heartfelt congratulations to Manu Bhaker for opening India's medal tally with her bronze in the 10 meter air pistol event at the Paris Olympics.
She is the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting. India is proud of Manu Bhaker. Her success will inspire many athletes, particularly women. I hope she achieves even greater accomplishments in the future.”