S.Kannan in Paris
Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh showed what it takes to conquer nerves in a razor-sharp contest as the Indian duo created history by winning a bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Up against Lee Won-ho and Oh Ye-jin, the duo from Haryana entered the Chateauroux arena with confidence on Tuesday.
Sarabjot started shakily on the first shot but he settled down. This was indeed a tight match where the pair getting to 16 points would win. In all, the contest lasted just around 17 minutes as India defeated South Korea 16-10.
For a nation starved of medals, this was a historic high. Manu had already won bronze in the women’s 10m Air Pistol and had to resume training for the next match in less than 24 hours. But the way she composed herself was brilliant, mentored by Jaspal Rana.
“This medal is for the country, I did nothing,” said Jaspal Rana to RevSportz on Tuesday just after the match. “Whatever I do is for the country, my job is done.” Rana said he would return to the range on Wednesday when Manu would train for the 25m sports pistol event.
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Sarabjot, such a humble young man, was so composed. His coach Abhishek Rana, from Ambala, came to France after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had helped him get an accreditation card. “I am grateful I could train this boy from 2016,” Abhishek told this writer. “He is a dedicated shooter and has delivered a medal. There can be ups and downs in shooting and I am happy both Sarabjot and Manu were consistent.”
Both the Ranas have been staying in the same flat in Chateauroux, eating meals together and spending time. Jaspal had even coached Abhishek briefly in and around 2012. Today, Abhishek runs his academy in Ambala.
Manu is the first Indian woman to win two medals back-to-back in one Olympics. When RevSportz spoke to her on Monday, she said she was hopeful. “I am hoping to do well, let’s wait,” she had said.
It is very tough to bounce back from the high of winning an Olympic medal. She had done over 40 interviews on Sunday and went back to the village. When she returned to the range on Monday and Tuesday, she was even more determined. Manu began with shots inside the inner ring today. The bronze medal match was all about being ruthless. More importantly, she was hoping her teammate, Sarabjot, would also peak on the big stage.
Not many would know that Manu plays the violin in her spare time. On Tuesday, she produced a symphony, a second bronze medal. This is historic, no Indian shooter has done this. And she will go for the third medal as well.
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