The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports awarded ace shooter Manu Bhaker a cash prize of ₹30 lakh on Thursday after securing two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024. Bhaker shared a photo of her meeting with Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on X (formerly Twitter). In the post, Bhaker expressed her gratitude, saying, “It was an honour to meet the Hon'ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today and personally thank him for his support and encouragement. With his continued efforts, the nation's sportspersons can reach even greater heights!”
Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian since independence and the second overall to win two medals in a single edition of the Games. Her achievements included a bronze in the 10m air pistol event and another in the 10m air pistol mixed team event with partner Sarabjot Singh. Bhaker narrowly missed a third medal in the women's 25m pistol event.
Mandaviya praised Bhaker’s historic performance and expressed that her success would inspire the nation's youth. “Today I met the daughter of the country @realmanubhaker, who returned home after winning two bronze medals in #ParisOlympics2024. Congratulations and best wishes for this historic victory. Manu Bhaker’s success will inspire millions in the Indian sports world. The entire country is proud of her,” Mandaviya wrote on X.
Bhaker's performance at the Paris Olympics marked a significant moment for Indian shooting, ending a 12-year wait for a shooting medal at the Olympics and making her the fourth Indian and second woman to win two medals in individual events.