Manu Bhaker to Carry India's Flag at Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony

Manu Bhaker to Carry India’s Flag at Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony

Ace Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has been bestowed the honor of being India’s flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024. The 22-year-old markswoman etched her name in Indian sporting history by securing two bronze medals in Paris.

Bhaker’s remarkable journey began with a bronze in the individual 10m air pistol event, making her the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. She broke India’s 12-year medal drought in shooting, following Vijay Kumar and Gagan Narang’s podium finishes in London 2012.

Not content with one medal, Bhaker teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to clinch another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. This achievement made her the first Indian woman to win multiple medals at a single Olympic Games.

“Manu has been chosen to be the flag bearer. She has done exceptionally well and deserves the honor,” an IOA official confirmed to PTI.

Bhaker expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “There are many in the contingent who are more deserving, but it will be a real honor if I am asked to.”

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has yet to finalize the male flag bearer, with the decision expected in the coming days.

Besides Bhaker’s two medals, Swapnil Kushale added a third bronze for India in the men’s 50m Rifle Three Positions. Ace shuttler Lakshya Sen will compete for bronze on Monday, while the Indian men’s hockey team advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Great Britain on penalties.

Reigning Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra will commence his javelin throw campaign on August 6.

In the opening ceremony, star shuttler PV Sindhu and veteran table tennis player Sharath Kamal led the Indian contingent as flag bearers in the Parade of Nations.

Manu Bhaker Makes History with Olympic Shooting Medals

Manu Bhaker Makes History with Olympic Shooting Medals

Manu Bhaker, India’s shooting sensation, has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal at the Olympics. Her bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 have opened India’s medal count and brought immense pride to the nation.

The 22-year-old from Haryana’s Jhajjar district has been on a remarkable journey, dedicating eight and a half years to her sport. Her unwavering commitment and hard work have paid off, culminating in this historic achievement. Bhaker’s success is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the dedication and support of her team, including her coach, family, and countless others who have believed in her.

Despite the sacrifices she has made, including being away from her family for extended periods, Bhaker remains grounded and grateful for the love and support she has received. Her social media following has skyrocketed to over 1 million on Instagram, and she has been lauded by legends like PV Sindhu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Bhaker’s victory is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of believing in oneself. She has faced challenges and setbacks along the way, but her determination has never wavered. Her success is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a source of pride for all Indians.

As she sets her sights on the LA Olympics 2028, Bhaker remains focused on her goals. Her rigorous training routine and unwavering commitment will undoubtedly lead her to even greater heights. Her journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes and the transformative power of sport.

Indian Athletes Face Mixed Fortunes on Day 9 of Tokyo Olympics

Indian Athletes Face Mixed Fortunes on Day 9 of Tokyo Olympics

Day 9 of the Tokyo Olympics witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions for Team India, with triumphs and setbacks across various disciplines.

In badminton, Lakshya Sen’s Olympic dream of a gold medal was shattered after a heartbreaking defeat to defending champion Viktor Axelsen. Despite a valiant effort, Sen succumbed to a 20-22, 14-21 loss, leaving him to compete for the bronze medal.

“I think I became passive when I was defending,” Sen said after the match. “I should have taken chances and attacked.”

Meanwhile, in athletics, Parul Chaudhary’s Olympic journey came to an end after finishing eighth in the women’s 3000m steeplechase round 1.

The Indian men’s hockey team, however, celebrated a hard-fought victory over Great Britain in their quarter-final fixture. The match went into a penalty shootout, where India emerged victorious.

In shooting, Vijayveer Sidhu and Anish Bhanwala failed to qualify for the final of the 25m men’s rapid fire pistol.

Disappointment struck the boxing arena as Lovlina Borgohain lost her women’s 75kg quarter-final bout, ending India’s boxing campaign at the Olympics.

Despite the setbacks, Team India remains determined to make the most of the remaining days of competition. Lakshya Sen will aim to secure a bronze medal in badminton, while the men’s hockey team will look to continue their winning streak in the semi-finals.

Indian Shooters Maheshwari Chauhan, Raiza Dhillon Miss Out on Skeet Final at Paris Olympics

Indian Shooters Maheshwari Chauhan, Raiza Dhillon Miss Out on Skeet Final at Paris Olympics

Indian shooters Maheshwari Chauhan and Raiza Dhillon faced disappointment at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, failing to qualify for the final of the women’s skeet competition. Chauhan finished in 14th place with a score of 118, while Dhillon placed 23rd with 113.

Chauhan started the competition strongly, shooting 23, 24, and 24 in the first three series on Saturday. However, her performance dipped slightly in the final two series, with scores of 25 and 22. Dhillon, on the other hand, struggled to find consistency throughout the qualification round, recording scores of 21, 22, 23, 23, and 24.

Only the top six shooters in the qualification round advanced to the final. Italy’s Diana Bacosi, the 2016 Rio Olympic gold medalist, also failed to qualify, finishing just below Chauhan in 15th place with a score of 117.

On the first day of qualifications, Chauhan had been in contention for a top-six finish, sitting in eighth place with an aggregate of 71. However, her performance on Sunday was not enough to secure a spot in the final. Dhillon, who was placed 25th after the first day, also failed to improve her position significantly.

Meanwhile, Indian shooters Vijayveer Sidhu and Anish Bhanwala are currently competing in the 25m rapid fire pistol men’s qualifications.

Manu Bhaker Creates History as India's First Dual Medalist at Paris Olympics 2024

Manu Bhaker Creates History as India’s First Dual Medalist at Paris Olympics 2024

Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old shooting prodigy, may not have returned from the Paris Olympics 2024 with a third medal, but she etched her name in history as India’s first dual medal winner at a single edition of the Games.

After securing two bronze medals in the 10m air pistol and mixed team events, Bhaker was poised to complete a hat-trick in the women’s 25m air pistol. However, she narrowly missed out on the podium, finishing fourth in the final.

Despite the disappointment, Bhaker’s performance was met with an outpouring of support from the Indian public. She had previously urged them not to be disheartened if she failed to win a third medal, and her wish was granted.

“I got really nervous in the last shot. I was trying to keep calm, but it was not enough. Fourth place is not a very good place,” Bhaker said after the event.

Despite the setback, Bhaker remained optimistic. “Already looking forward to the next one,” she declared.

During her time in Paris, Bhaker achieved several historic firsts for India. She opened the country’s medal account with her bronze in the 10m air pistol, becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting in 12 years.

Her second bronze, in the mixed team event, further cemented her status as a rising star. In just 72 hours, Bhaker had become a national icon.

With her exceptional talent and unwavering determination, Bhaker represents a bright future for Indian shooting. She expressed gratitude to all those who supported her journey, including the Ministry of Sports, SAI, Prime Minister Modi, her coach, and her family.

“I hope we come up with a better result next time,” Bhaker said, reflecting on her experience in Paris.

India's Olympic Medal Hopes Alive with Bhaker, Sen's Progress

India’s Olympic Medal Hopes Alive with Bhaker, Sen’s Progress

India’s Olympic campaign continued with a mixed bag of results on Day 7 in Paris. Manu Bhaker maintained her medal hopes by qualifying for the women’s 25m pistol final, while Lakshya Sen advanced to the men’s singles semi-final in badminton.

In shooting, Bhaker’s consistent performance earned her a spot in the final, where she will aim to add to India’s medal tally. However, Esha Singh’s Olympic journey ended with an 18th-place finish.

Badminton saw India’s lone charge, Lakshya Sen, overcome a tough challenge from Chou Tien Chen to reach the semi-finals. Sen’s victory keeps India’s hopes alive for a medal in the sport.

Judo brought disappointment for India as Tulika Maan lost her women’s +75kg Round of 32 bout. In archery, the mixed team of Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara had a rollercoaster day. They defeated Indonesia and Spain but fell short against South Korea in the semi-final and USA in the bronze medal match.

The men’s hockey team bounced back from their previous loss with a 3-2 victory over Australia in their final pool match. This win secures their place in the knockout stage.

In rowing, Balraj Panwar finished 23rd out of 33 athletes in the men’s singles sculls. Athletics saw Parul Chaudhary and Ankita fail to advance from the women’s 5000m Heat 2 and Heat 1, respectively. Tajinderpal Singh Toor also missed out on qualification in the men’s shot put.

Sailing witnessed mixed results for India. Vishnu Saravanan finished 20th and 19th in the men’s dinghy, while Nethra Kumanan placed 11th in the women’s dinghy after the first three races.

Arjun Babuta Slams Punjab Government for Lack of Support

Arjun Babuta Slams Punjab Government for Lack of Support

Indian shooter Arjun Babuta has expressed disappointment over the lack of support he has received from the Punjab government despite his remarkable achievements in the sport. Babuta, who narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal in the men’s 10m Air Rifle event at the recently concluded Paris Olympics, has been vocal about his expectations for job security and recognition from the state government.

In an interview with ANI, Babuta revealed that he has not received any benefits from the Punjab government despite his success. He recalled a promise made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and then Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer in 2022 to offer him a government job. However, Babuta said he has yet to receive a concrete response to his request.

“I have written a letter in this regard, but in reply, I was told to wait. It is very disappointing and I hope they will look into it as job security is very important. I hope they will acknowledge my efforts. I should be given a certain rank according to my achievements in sports,” Babuta said.

Babuta also criticized the Punjab government for its alleged neglect of sports in the state. He pointed out that while Chief Ministers of other states welcomed and celebrated shooters from their respective states who participated in the Olympics, the Punjab government failed to do so.

“Governments are changing, but the demand remains the same. The hope is slowly fading away. The Chief Ministers of different states cheered and met the shooters from their respective states who participated in the Olympics. But nothing was done by the Punjab CM and state Sports Minister for the shooters from the state. They didn’t even welcome us at the airport,” Babuta added.

Babuta’s comments highlight the challenges faced by athletes in India, particularly those from smaller states. Despite their achievements on the international stage, many athletes struggle to receive adequate support and recognition from their state governments.

Despite the setbacks, Babuta remains determined to continue his shooting career. He has set his sights on the LA 28 Olympics and the Shooting World Cup. With his talent and dedication, Babuta has the potential to achieve even greater success in the future.

Manu Bhaker Finishes Second in 25m Sports Pistol Qualification, Books Olympic Final Berth

Manu Bhaker Finishes Second in 25m Sports Pistol Qualification, Books Olympic Final Berth

Indian pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, aiming for an unprecedented hat-trick of Olympic medals, delivered a stellar performance in the 25m sports pistol event at the ongoing Chateauroux Shooting World Cup on Friday. The 22-year-old sharpshooter, who has already secured two bronze medals in the 10m women’s air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events, showcased her exceptional skills to finish second in qualification and book a place in the final.

Bhaker’s impressive display began in the ‘precision’ round, where she shot an impressive 294. Her accuracy and precision were even more evident in the rapid round, where she fired a remarkable 296, bringing her aggregate score to 590. This placed her just two points behind leader Veronika Major of Hungary, who shot an aggregate of 592 (294 and 298) to equal the Olympic record.

Bhaker’s performance is a testament to her unwavering determination and the hard work she has put in to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics. She has consistently performed at the highest level, winning multiple medals at international competitions. Her ability to maintain her focus and execute under pressure is a key factor in her success.

India has made a strong start to the Chateauroux Shooting World Cup, winning all three medals so far in shooting. Bhaker’s two bronze medals and Swapnil Kusale’s bronze in the 50m rifle three-positions event have given the Indian contingent a solid foundation.

Bhaker’s performance in the 25m sports pistol event has raised expectations for her in the upcoming Olympic Games. She is one of India’s brightest medal prospects in shooting and will be aiming to add to her already impressive collection of medals.

Swapnil Kusale Wins Historic Bronze in Shooting at Paris Olympics

Swapnil Kusale Wins Historic Bronze in Shooting at Paris Olympics

Swapnil Kusale etched his name in Indian sporting history by securing a historic bronze medal in shooting at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite the pressure of the grand stage, Kusale displayed nerves of steel and staged a remarkable comeback to finish on the podium. His aggregate score of 451.4 in the eight-shooter final propelled India to 42nd place in the medal standings.

India’s medal hopes took a hit on Day 7 as badminton stars PV Sindhu, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and Chirag Shetty bowed out of the competition. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, was defeated by China’s He Bingjiao in the women’s singles pre-quarterfinals. Satwik and Chirag’s Olympic dream also ended in disappointment after a three-game loss in the men’s doubles quarterfinals.

However, India’s medal tally could receive a boost on Friday as Manu Bhaker continues her impressive run in the women’s 25m pistol qualification alongside Esha Singh. Bhaker, a two-time bronze medalist at the Paris Games, is aiming for a medal hat-trick.

Lakshya Sen kept India’s badminton hopes alive by advancing to the quarterfinals after defeating compatriot HS Prannoy in an all-Indian clash. Sen, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion, will face 12th seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in the next round.

Other Indian athletes in action on Day 7 include Shubhankar Sharma and Ganganjeet Bhullar in golf, Anantjeet Singh Naruka in men’s skeet qualification, and Ankita Dhyani, Parul Chaudhary, and Tajinderpal Singh Toor in athletics.

India’s men’s hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, will face Australia in their final pool match after losing 1-2 to defending champions Belgium.

Swapnil Kusale's Olympic Dream Fulfilled with Bronze in 50m 3P

Swapnil Kusale’s Olympic Dream Fulfilled with Bronze in 50m 3P

Swapnil Kusale’s journey to Olympic glory began in the humble village of Kambalwadi, Kolhapur. Inspired by Abhinav Bindra’s Olympic triumph, he enrolled in the Krida Prabodhini sports program, where he honed his shooting skills.

His friendship with Akshay Ashtraputre, a fellow shooter, provided unwavering support. Together, they shared the Olympic dream, symbolized by the golden rings they wore during selection trials.

Kusale’s talent was evident from an early age. He excelled in the 50m three positions event, requiring precision shooting from kneeling, prone, and standing positions. His coach, Deepali Deshpande, recalls his dedication and love for the sport.

In 2014, Kusale became Asian junior champion, marking his arrival on the international stage. He competed against seasoned shooters like Gagan Narang and Chain Singh at the Senior National Championships in 2015.

Despite missing out on a berth at the Tokyo Olympics, Kusale remained determined. He joined the Railways and continued his rigorous training regimen. His focus on the standing position, where he had faced setbacks in previous competitions, paid off.

With the support of sports psychologist Vaibhav Agashe, Kusale strengthened his mental conditioning. He overcame the tense moments in the final, securing a bronze medal with a crucial 10.5 in his 41st shot.

Kambalwadi erupted in celebration as Kusale’s triumph brought pride to his village. His mother, Anita Kusale, attributed his success to his unwavering determination and years of hard work.

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