NEW DELHI: Ace shooter Manu Bhaker was awarded the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna by Indian President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Friday.
This honour crowns a stellar year for the young Olympian, who recently made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by securing two bronze medals, a feat that firmly establishes her as one of India’s most remarkable athletes.
Manu, 22, first captured attention at the Games with her performance in the 10m air pistol individual event, where she became the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal in this category.
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Her journey didn’t stop there; she paired up with Sarabjot Singh to clinch another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. Their victory, a commanding 16-10 win over the Korean pair, underscored India’s rising dominance in Olympic shooting.
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These achievements make Manu Bhaker the first Indian to win two Olympic medals in a single edition of the Games post-Independence.
Her achievements also hold special significance as she became only the second Indian woman, after badminton legend PV Sindhu, to possess two Olympic medals.
The Paris Games saw Manu break barriers not just as an individual competitor but also as a team player. Her triumph alongside Sarabjot Singh marked the first time an Indian shooting pair secured an Olympic medal.
This rare accomplishment amplifies the significance of her contributions to Indian sports.
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award serves as a fitting tribute to Manu Bhaker’s perseverance and remarkable achievements, reflecting her dedication to excellence in the fiercely competitive world of international shooting.