Manu Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympic Games, teaming up with Sarabjot Singh to secure a bronze medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event at the Paris Olympics. The Indian duo defeated South Korea’s Wonho Lee and Ye Jin Oh with a score of 16-10, earning India’s second medal of the Games. Earlier, Manu Bhaker had won a bronze in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event.
Who is The Man Behind the Historic Win?
Sarabjot Singh hails from a farming family in Dhindsa village, Ambala, Punjab. Known for his maturity and calm demeanor, Sarabjot’s father, Jatinder Singh, and mother, Hardeep Kaur, have supported his journey. He studied at DAV College in Chandigarh and trains under coach Abhishek Rana. Sarabjot’s interest in shooting was piqued at 13 when he saw children practicing with air guns at a summer camp, even though he initially aspired to be a footballer.
From Aspiring Footballer to Shooting Prodigy
The image of children taking aim stayed with him, prompting him to ask his father, “Dad, I want to do shooting,” in 2014. Although his father warned him about the expenses involved, Sarabjot’s persistence paid off when he won a gold medal at the Junior World Championships in Suhl in 2019, marking a turning point in his career.
A Rising Star in Indian Shooting
Sarabjot’s confidence and talent have made many believe he is a strong contender for Olympic medals. His career took off with the 2019 Junior World Championship gold, and he continued to impress by winning a team gold at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou and an individual bronze at the 2023 Asian Championship.
Manu Bhaker’s Continued Medal Quest
Manu Bhaker still has a chance to win another medal in the 25-meter air pistol event. In the individual 10-meter air pistol category, Sarabjot narrowly missed the finals, finishing ninth with a score of 577. However, their combined score of 580 in the qualification round secured them a spot in the bronze medal match.
This victory not only showcases the talents of Sarabjot Singh and Manu Bhaker but also brings pride and inspiration to India’s shooting community and sports fans alike.
