Manu Bhaker shines in comeback after Paris Olympics, tops qualification but finishes 3rd at National Trials

India’s celebrated shooter Manu Bhaker made a strong return to competitive shooting at the national selection trials for upcoming international events. She had been away from the competition scene since the 2024 Paris Olympics. In the 25m pistol event on Monday, she scored 587 in qualifications, the highest score among all competitors. Though she performed well, she finished third in the finals.

Crucial trials from World Cup angle

In the 25m Pistol women’s (T1) category trial, Simranpreet Kaur Brar from Punjab emerged as the winner with a total score of 36. Esha Singh from Telangana came in second, scoring 35, while Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker took third place with 31 hits. These trials are crucial for selecting India’s representatives in major international competitions like World Cups.

Manu Bhaker scripted history in Paris Olympics

At just 22, Manu Bhaker has established herself as India’s most successful female shooter. She made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal, claiming bronze in the 10m air pistol event. Additionally, she won another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh, becoming the first athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single Olympic Games. Recently, she was honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award for her achievements.

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Sift Kaur Samra’s unofficial record

Sift Kaur Samra, who set a world record in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions event at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, has now surpassed her own record at the Selection Trials in New Delhi. Competing at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, she scored a remarkable 469.8, breaking her previous record of 469.6. However, this new record will remain unofficial as the trial was a national-level event.

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