Indian shooting sensation Manu Bhaker has once again demonstrated her mettle by winning two bronze medals at the 2025 Asian Shooting Championship held in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
On Tuesday, she claimed the bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol individual event with a score of 219.7 points, finishing behind China’s Ma Qianke (243.2) who took gold and South Korea’s Jiin Yang (241.6) who won silver.
Along with her teammates Suruchi Singh and Palak Gulia, Bhaker contributed significantly to India clinching the team bronze in the same event with a combined tally of 1,730 points.
This success marks her 10th medal at the continental level and adds to her impressive track record, which includes winning two medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Indian shooting officials hailed her consistent excellence and commitment, marking her as one of the bright stars of Indian sports on the Asian stage.
Manu Bhaker’s Masterclass in Precision and Demeanour
Bhaker’s journey through the championship has been a showcase of her extraordinary focus and skill under intense pressure. Starting with a qualification round score of 583, including an impressive perfect 100 in her last shooting series, she secured her spot among the tournament’s elite finalists.
Despite fierce competition from Asia’s best shooters, whose final scores shattered records, Bhaker’s poise helped her clinch an individual bronze, reinforcing her status as a top global contender.
Further, her role was pivotal in the team event as India earned the bronze, narrowly missing silver by a mere single point to formidable South Korean opponents.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) president lauded Bhaker as a “beacon of dedication and resilience,” noting that her performance is a testament to the rising standards of Indian shooting sports.
Social media platforms have been ablaze with messages of support and pride from fellow athletes, coaches, and fans, congratulating her relentless pursuit of excellence.
A Journey Defined by Milestones and Emerging Dominance
Manu Bhaker’s evolution from a junior prodigy to a dominant senior athlete is well documented. In 2019, she shocked the world by winning gold at the Asian Shooting Championships in Doha, and ever since, she has consistently upped her game.
Her historic performance of winning two medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics not only made her a household name but also inspired a new generation of Indian sportspersons.
The current Asian Championship acts as an important milestone in her preparation for forthcoming world-level championships, and her medals add momentum to India’s ambition to become a shooting powerhouse.
Additionally, her versatility is on display as she prepares to compete in the women’s 25m pistol event later this month, aiming to further expand her commendable medal collection.
The championship this year also highlights India’s growing strength in shooting disciplines, with Indian shooters winning medals across multiple categories, signalling a promising future ahead.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Manu Bhaker’s story is a compelling reminder of the transformative value of nurturing sports talent with patience, adequate resources, and encouragement. Her achievements go beyond medals; they represent the spirit of perseverance, dedication, and unyielding hope that can inspire millions across India.
In promoting sportsmanship and excellence, her journey aligns with The Logical Indian’s values of harmony, empathy, and coexistence, all while reminding society that success is built on community and support systems that uplift individuals.
As India’s athletes continue to shine on both continental and global stages, it is crucial to create an inclusive environment that values every child’s potential to dream and achieve. How can we, as a society, foster more such stories of resilience and hope, ensuring that sports become a unifying force that transcends barriers and nurtures collective pride?