Paris Olympics: A Tale of Two Champions – Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh Shine on the Shooting Range
Contrasting Personalities, Unbeatable Team
30.07.2024: At the Paris Olympics, Indian shooters Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh delivered a remarkable performance on the shooting range, despite their starkly contrasting personalities and hobbies. Their synergy under pressure has made them a formidable pair in the world of shooting.
Diverse Interests, Unified Goals
Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh, both 22-year-olds from Haryana, are as different as two athletes can be. Manu enjoys horse riding, sketching, and playing the violin, while Sarabjot prefers fast cars, Punjabi pop music, and weightlifting. Despite these differences, they share a unique bond and have each other’s backs when it matters the most.
Facing the Best in the World
The Indian duo faced off against South Koreans Lee Wonho and Oh Ye Jin, both recent gold medalists in the 10m air pistol individual categories. Standing casually with one hand in their pockets, Manu and Sarabjot exuded calmness. However, their intense focus was evident as they neared the finish line with every shot.
Rising Above Pressure
In a high-pressure scenario, Manu and Sarabjot summoned their best shots, overcoming a shaky start to win India’s second medal of the Paris Olympics – a bronze. For Manu, this was her second bronze, making her the first athlete in independent India to win two medals at the same Olympics. Sarabjot, who narrowly missed the individual final earlier, redeemed himself with a stellar performance.
A Journey of Dedication
Sarabjot’s journey to the Olympics has been driven by an unwavering focus on his goal. “I didn’t want World Cups. I didn’t want any other titles. I just wanted an Olympic medal. For eight years, I had set my sight on these Olympics. Ek aag hai andar (there’s a fire inside me),” he shared.
Surrounding himself with Olympic symbols, Sarabjot kept his goal in sight every day. From phone wallpapers to customized LED lights on his gaming console, every element reminded him of the hard work needed to achieve his dream.
Balancing Act
Manu, on the other hand, isn’t as obsessive as Sarabjot. She balances her shooting career with various hobbies, including horse riding and playing the violin. This balance helps her maintain an uncluttered and focused mind, a quality that complements Sarabjot’s intense dedication.
Keeping it Simple
Both athletes believe in keeping their approach to shooting simple. “It’s a basic sport. People go so deep into it that they end up spoiling their game,” Sarabjot explained. This straightforward philosophy played a crucial role in their success against the South Koreans.
Overcoming Challenges
Their path to the podium was not without challenges. Sarabjot started with a poor score, but Manu’s steady performance kept them in the race. As the competition intensified, India’s Mongolian pistol coach, Munkhbayar Dorjsuren, called for a time-out, calming Manu and refocusing Sarabjot. This timely intervention led to a strong finish, with India winning the playoff 16-10.
Looking Ahead
Sarabjot, now a bronze medalist, plans to celebrate by indulging in his passion for fast cars. Manu, with two medals already, isn’t ready to celebrate yet. She aims to make more history as she returns to the shooting range later this week.