The 22-year-old Bhaker scored 580 to secure the third position in the qualifications, with Hungarian star Veronika Major taking the top spot with a score of 582.Rhythm Sangwan, the other Indian participant, finished 15th with a score of 573. The final is scheduled for Sunday.
Having been reduced to tears after her disappointing performance in her Olympic debut in Tokyo three years ago, Bhaker is now aiming to add an Olympic medal to her already impressive list of accomplishments.
As a renowned shooter who has gained global recognition for her achievements from a young age, Bhaker appeared resolute in leaving the Tokyo memories behind and delivered a strong qualification performance.
The shooter from Haryana started well, scoring a total of 97 points to hold the fourth position at the end of Series 1. She maintained her position with another 97 in the second series, while Sangwan dropped to 26th after a subpar performance that included an 8.
However, Bhaker climbed back into the top two after an impressive 98 in her third series.
Despite scoring an 8 in the fifth series, her first poor shot in an otherwise stellar qualification, Bhaker remained in contention and ultimately secured her spot in the final.
Who is Manu Bhaker?
Manu Bhaker, a renowned Indian sport shooter, has made a name for herself in the international arena with her exceptional skills in pistol shooting. Hailing from Jhajjar, Haryana, Manu was born on February 18, 2002, and has become one of the most promising young athletes representing India in shooting.
From a young age, Manu displayed a keen interest in sports, exploring various disciplines such as boxing, tennis, and skating before ultimately finding her passion in shooting. Her international debut came in 2017, and she quickly made her mark with impressive performances.
Manu’s crowning achievement at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires was winning a gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol event, making her the first Indian shooter to accomplish this feat at the Youth Olympics. She has also clinched multiple medals at ISSF World Cup events, including gold medals in both individual and mixed team competitions.
Manu’s first gold medal came at the tender age of 16 when she triumphed in the 10m Air Pistol event at the 2018 ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara. Her success continued at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, where she secured a gold medal in the same event, solidifying her position as a top shooter on the global stage.
Manu’s partnership with fellow Indian shooter Abhishek Verma proved fruitful at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, where they clinched a gold medal in the mixed team 10m Air Pistol event.
On the domestic front, Manu has consistently showcased her prowess, winning numerous titles and setting national records along the way.
As a representative of India at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Manu gained valuable experience, although she fell short of securing a medal.
Her contributions to Indian sports have been recognised with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2020.
Manu’s unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and remarkable achievements have established her as a role model for aspiring shooters in India. As she continues to be a prominent figure in Indian shooting, many anticipate that she will reach even greater heights in the future.