Ace Indian pistol shooter Manu Bhaker has set her sights on winning multiple medals at future Olympic Games, following her historic feat at the Paris Games. The 22-year-old became the first Indian athlete in the post-independence era to win two Olympic medals in a single edition of the Games.
Bhaker scripted history by winning bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event, where she partnered with Sarabjot Singh. She narrowly missed out on a third bronze in the 25m pistol, finishing a creditable fourth.
No Indian athlete has ever won more than two individual medals at the Olympics. “I think we all work hard to win medals. But if that happens (winning more than 2 individual medals at Olympics) then that would be great. The aim is to work hard and better this performance in the future,” Bhaker told PTI Videos.
“I am aiming to win many more Olympic medals for India,” added Bhaker, who returned to the country after participating in the closing ceremony.
Bhaker had the honor of being India’s flagbearer alongside veteran hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh at the closing ceremony on Sunday. “Being the flag bearer was the opportunity of a lifetime, I am grateful that I got this opportunity and will cherish this for a lifetime,” she said.
“I have a very friendly bond with Sreejesh bhaiya. I have known him since I was a young kid. He is always very friendly, helpful, and kind. He made it a lot easier for me in the closing ceremony.”
Bhaker had returned to India last week but flew back to Paris for the closing ceremony, where she was the joint-flagbearer. She was accompanied at the Indira Gandhi International Airport by her coach Jaspal Rana and mother Sumedha.
“I am happy for her. I am happy for the players. When I went to Paris, I met the Hockey team, Aman Sehrawat, Neeraj Chopra. I just hope all these athletes keep winning medals and all the mothers of this nation will be happy,” said Bhaker’s mother.
