Manu's marksmanship milestone

Manu teams with Sarabjot to clinch 10m air pistol bronze, becomes first Indian to win 2 medals in one Olympic Games

- S KANNAN

It takes two to tango, and on Tuesday, Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh proved it right by winning a historic bronze medal for India in the 10m air pistol team event at the Paris Olympics. The pressure was palpable and the audience, inside the arena and those watching the match on TV sets were nervous. Yet, in less than 17 minutes, the magical duo from Haryana shot brilliantly to shut out Lee Wonoho and Oh Yeh Jin of the Republic of Korea 16-10.

History was made as Manu became the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics.

Was this real or a dream? The Indians had a rough start with Sarabjot’s poor 8.6 opening shot and Bhaker’s 10.2, totalling 18.8, while the Koreans scored 20.5, taking a 2-0 lead.

Indeed, there is no strategy in mixed team events. Both stand in different shooting lanes and aim at the target, 10 metres away.

However, Manu shot with perfect composure, ensuring that her partner Sarabjot delivered a performance with the courage and determination of a lion-hearted person.