Photo Courtesy: x.com
Paris: Manu Bhaker delivered a standout performance in the 10m women’s air pistol qualification, securing her place in the final and salvaging a challenging day for Indian shooters. The 22-year-old Bhaker, who finished third with a score of 580, demonstrated remarkable confidence and skill, despite an underwhelming start by her teammates.
Hungarian shooter Veronika Major topped the qualifications with a score of 582, while Bhaker’s compatriot, Rhythm Sangwan, ended in 15th place with a score of 573. The final is scheduled for Sunday.
Bhaker, who was emotionally affected by her previous Olympic experience in Tokyo, looked determined to overcome past setbacks. She began strongly with a score of 97 in the first series, maintaining a competitive position. Despite a slip to 26th place for Sangwan and an 8 in Bhaker’s fifth series, she secured her spot in the final with a series of solid performances, including a 98 in her third series.
Earlier in the day, Indian shooters faced disappointment. Sarabjot Singh and Arjun Singh Cheema, competing in the men’s 10m air pistol event, failed to reach the final. Singh finished ninth with a score of 577, while Cheema placed 18th with 574. Both fell short of qualifying for the final, with Germany’s Robin Walter claiming the eighth spot.
In the 10m air rifle mixed team event, Ramita Jindal and Arjun Babuta finished sixth with a total score of 628.7, narrowly missing out on a medal round berth. Elavenil Valarivan and Sandeep Singh placed 12th with a score of 626.3. The event saw strong performances from shooters from China, Korea, and Kazakhstan, with China ultimately winning the gold medal.
The Indian shooting team will look to Bhaker’s performance in the women’s air pistol final as a potential highlight in their campaign.
