With an unshakable resolve that matches her remarkable abilities, the 22-year-old Bhaker etched her name in history by becoming the first female shooter from India to secure an Olympic medal.She accomplished this feat by clinching a bronze in the 10m air pistol competition at the Paris Games.
“After Tokyo, I was very disappointed. It took me a long time to get over that,” Bhaker said on Jio Cinema after her win, as quoted by PTI.
“So really grateful that I could win bronze, maybe (it will be) better next time,” she added.
“I feel great. This medal was long due for India. It feels surreal.”
The victory marked the first medal for the country at the Paris Games and ended a 12-year wait for its highly anticipated shooters.
However, this achievement did not come easily for the spirited markswoman from Jhajjar, Haryana.
At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, a pistol malfunction during the qualifications brought Bhaker to tears.
Yet, over the past two days, she demonstrated the determination and skill expected of an athlete with numerous international medals to her name.
“India deserves many more medals. As many as possible. The feeling is really surreal, it takes a lot of effort,” she said.
The final was closely contested, and at one point, she was even in contention for the silver medal.
“In the last shot, I was fighting with all the energy I had. Maybe I can get better in the next (event).”
Bhaker has significantly improved her mental toughness over the years, thanks in large part to the guidance of her coach, Jaspal Rana.
“I read a lot of Bhagwat Gita, and tried to do just what I am supposed to do and left everything else to God. We can’t fight destiny, you can’t control the outcome.
“You can only keep trying and keep giving your best,” Bhaker said when asked how she coped with the disappointment in Tokyo.
About the biggest win of her magnificent career, the nine-time World Cup medallist added, “I really can’t explain how good I am feeling. I was fighting with all the energy the I have.”
She qualified for the final with a score of 580, clearly signaling her determination to secure a podium finish this time.
“As soon as the qualification was over, I didn’t know how things were going to be. We have worked very hard. We will do as much as we can. It is a very good feeling.
“Thank you so much for sticking by me (to all the friends, relatives and well-wishers!). It is for them that I am standing here strong.
“Every single time, I am putting so much effort and you all made my life so easy. I would like to thank my coach Jaspal sir, my sponsors OGQ and my coaches.”
During the one hour and 15-minute qualifying session on Saturday, Bhaker remained in control, and she carried the same composure into the crucial final at the National Shooting Centre.
India last won an Olympic medal in shooting in 2012.