New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday lauded star pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, meeting the double Olympic bronze medalist following her victorious return from the Paris Games. Singh expressed that every Indian is thrilled by her “incredible performances.”
He also shared a photograph of their meeting in a post on X.
“Delighted to meet India’s ace shooter, Manu Bhaker, who scripted history at the Paris Olympics by winning two Bronze medals for the country. Every Indian is elated by her incredible performances. Best wishes for her future endeavours,” Singh wrote on the social media platform.
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Delighted to meet India’s ace shooter, Manu Bhaker, who scripted history at the Paris Olympics by wining two Bronze medals for the country. Every Indian is elated by her incredible performances. Best wishes for her future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/PIgMXQaxuf
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 8, 2024
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Bhaker returned home on Wednesday following her historic achievements at the Paris Games, where she became the first Indian since Independence to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics. The celebrated shooter subsequently shared on social media that the defence minister’s motivational words inspired her.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to meet with the Hon’ble Defence Minister of India, Shri Rajnath Singh at his office in New Delhi. I am grateful he took time out from his busy schedule to offer his support and inspired me with his words of motivation #JeetKiAur #Cheer4Bharat #Paris2024 #Olympics @rajnathsingh @DefenceMinIndia @WeAreTeamIndia,” she posted on the social media platform and also shared a photograph of the meeting.
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I am honoured to have the opportunity to meet with the Hon’ble Defence Minister of India, Shri Rajnath Singh at his office in New Delhi. I am grateful he took time out from his busy schedule to offer his support and inspired me with his words of motivation. ?? ?✨#JeetKiAur… pic.twitter.com/g8O2gCPEoz
— Manu Bhaker?? (@realmanubhaker) August 8, 2024
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Bhaker is set to return to Paris on Saturday and will serve as one of the flag-bearers for the Indian delegation at the Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony on Sunday.
The 22-year-old Bhaker secured a bronze medal in both the women’s 10m air pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team events, partnering with Sarabjot Singh to create Olympic history for India.
Before her, British-Indian athlete Norman Pritchard had earned two silver medals in the 200m sprint and 200m hurdles at the 1900 Olympics, an accomplishment that occurred during the pre-Independence period.
