Olympian Manu Bhaker addresses speculation about her pistol's price after Paris triumph

Indian Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker, who made history by winning two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, has clarified rumours surrounding the cost of her pistol.

Mannu Bhaker became the first Indian athlete to claim multiple medals in a single edition of the Games, winning bronze in both the women’s 10-metre air pistol event and the mixed team event.

Reports had circulated on social media suggesting that Bhaker's pistol was worth over $12,000.

However, the 22-year-old star shooter addressed these claims in an interview with Sports Next, stating, "Twelve thousand dollars? No. It is a one-time investment of around $1,800 to $2,200."

Manu Bhaker explained that the cost depends on factors such as whether the pistol is new, second-hand, or custom-made, adding that once an athlete reaches a certain level, companies often provide pistols for free.

Manu Bhaker’s Olympic triumph has propelled her into the spotlight, with fans and media houses closely following her every move.

Last week, she appeared for an interview with local Indian media, where she discussed her journey to the Paris Olympics and the overwhelming support she received after winning her medals.

When asked about her passion outside of shooting, she replied, "The love of my life is shooting, and I want to keep winning medals for India. I enjoy dressing up and other things, but shooting remains my priority."

During the same interview, Manu Bhaker also shared her strategy for managing emotions, saying, "I get angry too, but I’ve learned to channel my anger into something positive. It’s essential for a sportsperson."

Manu Bhaker wins bronze, India’s first medal at paris 2024

Earlier in July, Manu Bhaker made history by winning the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event, marking India’s first medal at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Manu Bhaker, a shooter from Jhajjar, Haryana, becomes the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting.

Manu Bhaker qualified for the final with a score of 580 points, placing third out of 45 competitors. In the final, she maintained her form and secured the bronze with a score of 221.7.

Her triumph comes after a challenging period, including a disappointing campaign at Tokyo where her pistol malfunctioned.

Reflecting on her journey, Bhaker expressed immense gratitude, "After Tokyo, I was very disappointed and it took me a long time to overcome that. I read the Bhagwat Gita and tried to do what I am supposed to do, leaving everything else to God."

Her mental toughness, developed with the help of her coach Jaspal Rana, played a crucial role. "India deserves many more medals. The feeling is surreal, and it takes a lot of effort. I fought with all the energy I had in the final shot. Maybe I can get better in the next event."

Manu Bhaker also thanked her supporters, sponsors, and coach, acknowledging their role in her success. "Thank you so much for sticking by me. This medal is for them. I am standing here strong because of their support," she added.

India last won an Olympic medal in shooting in 2012, and Bhaker's bronze ended a 12-year wait, opening the country's account in the Paris Games.