At the Paris 2024 Olympics on Sunday, Manu Bhaker, the first Indian woman to win an Olympic bronze medal in shooting, created history. Bhaker achieved a significant feat when she won the women’s 10m air pistol competition. Her extraordinary achievement has confirmed her status as a trailblazer for female athletics and inspired joy and pride across the nation.
The progress made by Bhaker to the peak has clearly illustrated not only her exceptional ability but also the growing influence of Indian sportsmen on a worldwide scale. As she said, “This medal belongs not only to me but to all women from India, “thus pointing out the need for feminine involvement in sports.
In badminton, star shuttler Lakshya Sen’s initial victory over Guatemala’s Kevin Cordon was rendered moot due to Cordon’s withdrawal from the Games. This leaves Sen competing in a now-truncated Group L alongside two other players. He is scheduled to face Belgium’s Julien Carraggi on Monday, followed by a crucial match against Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie on Wednesday.
Nikhat Zareen, a two-time world champion, advanced to the women’s 50kg pre-quarterfinals after a gritty victory against Germany’s Maxi Carina Kloetzer. Trailing on three cards after the first round, Zareen turned the tide to secure a 5-0 win, setting her sights on facing top-seeded Wu Yu of China on Thursday.
Indian table tennis veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal faced an unexpected exit in the men’s singles Round of 64, losing to Slovenia’s Deni Kozul. However, fellow Indian players Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula started their campaigns with comfortable victories.
Meanwhile, PV Sindhu opened her campaign with a dominant performance, dispatching Maldives’ Fathimath Abdul Razzaq in straight games, showcasing her readiness for the challenges ahead.
As India continues to compete in various events, Bhaker’s historic win serves as a beacon of inspiration, uniting the nation in anticipation of more thrilling moments in the Games.
