In a stunning display of skill and composure, Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh secured India's second medal at the Paris Olympics, earning a bronze in the 10m Air Pistol mixed team event at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre. This achievement marks the second shooting medal for India in the ongoing Paris Games, following Manu's earlier bronze in the women's 10m air pistol event.
India led 4-2 after the third series and extended their advantage to 8-2 after the fifth series. Although South Korea narrowed the gap to 10-6 after the eighth series, the Indian duo maintained their composure to secure a comfortable victory.
This bronze medal is Sarabjot’s first Olympic medal, while Manu made history by becoming the first Indian to win multiple medals at a single Olympic Games. Manu had already opened India’s account at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event. Bhaker also joins the ranks of Norman Pritchard (athletics), Sushil Kumar (wrestling), and PV Sindhu (badminton) as one of the few Indians to win multiple medals at the Summer Games. Notably, Bhaker is the first Indian to achieve this feat at a single edition of the Olympics.
During the 10m Air Pistol mixed team qualification, Manu and Sarabjot finished third with 580 points and 20 perfect shots. In the bronze medal match, the Indian duo defeated the Korean pair of Xue Li and Wonho Lee 16-8. The Korean team finished fourth with 579 points and 18 perfect shots. The Turkish team of Sevval Ilayda Tarhan and Yusuf Dikec, who equaled the Olympic qualification record with 582 points, will face Zorana Arunovic and Damir Mikec of Serbia in the gold medal match. Unfortunately, India's Rhythm Sangwan and Arjun Singh Cheema did not qualify for the medal match, finishing 10th with a score of 576.
The match began with a shaky start for India as Korea took the first round with a score of 20.5 to 18.8. However, Manu and Sarabjot quickly bounced back in the second round, with Manu scoring 10.7 and Sarabjot 10.5, taking the round as Korea managed only 19.9. India continued their momentum, winning the third round with both shooters scoring 10.4 each, while Korea scored 19.8. The Indian team extended their lead to 6-2, with Manu's consistent shots above 10 and Sarabjot's slight misstep with a 9.6. Manu's steady performance, including a 10.5, ensured another round win as Korea scored 19.5.
India's determined and skilled shooting performance ultimately secured them the bronze medal, adding to the nation's growing tally and enhancing their reputation in the sport on the global stage.
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