"A historic medal" - Indian PM Narendra Modi lauds ace shooter Manu Bhaker's Bronze-clinching effort in Paris Olympics 2024

With a staggering tally of 221.7 with her 22 shots, Manu Bhaker finished on the final podium place in the women's 10-meter Air Pistol event in the Paris Olympics on Sunday, ending the Indian shooting contingent's unfortunate run in the quadrennial event.

At one stage she was gunning for the silver spot, before being bested by Korea's Kim Ye-ji and finishing third. However, the 22-year-old became the country's first medalist in Paris, and more importantly, the first-ever Indian Woman to bag an Olympic Medal in shooting.

Euphoria, like wildfire, spreads at lightning speed; it engulfed the entire country soon after Bhaker's heroics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from his official social media handle, shared a congratulatory message for the ace shooter.

"A historic medal! Well done, Manu Bhaker, for winning India’s FIRST medal at Paris Olympics 2024! Congrats for the Bronze. This success is even more special as she becomes the 1st woman to win a medal in shooting for India. An incredible achievement!" Modi wrote.

Meanwhile, India's Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya joined in the celebrations and sent a heartfelt message to the Olympic medalist.

"A proud moment, Manu Bhaker wins Bharat's first medal, a BRONZE in Women’s 10m Air Pistol at Paris Olympic 2024!"

"Congratulations Manu, you have displayed your skill & dedication, you have become 1st woman shooter to win an Olympic medal for Bharat!" he penned down on X.

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"It's incredible to witness your skill and determination" - Abhinav Bindra on his newly-crowned fellow Olympic shooting medalist Manu Bhaker

Meanwhile, congratulatory messages flew in from closer to Bhaker's own discipline; India's first individual Olympic gold medalist and a shooting legend in every right, Abhinav Bindra lauded the 22-year-old for her dedication throughout her journey.

"Heartiest congratulations to Manu Bhaker for clinching the bronze medal in the air pistol event at Paris 2024! Your relentless dedication, hard work, and passion have truly paid off. It's incredible to witness your skill and determination, bringing pride to India with each shot. This achievement is a testament to your perseverance and determination. Keep shining, Manu!" Bindra posted on X.

For Manu Bhaker, who left the Tokyo Olympics in tears three years ago, after her pistol malfunctioned during the event, it's been a redemption arc like none. But her eyes are already set on the most glittering medal of all, after burying the ghosts of her past jitters.