Historic Homecoming: Manu Bhaker's Olympic Triumph

Manu Bhaker, renowned pistol shooter, returned to India after making Olympic history by winning two medals in a single edition. She received a grand welcome at the Delhi airport, where supporters, family, and officials celebrated her achievements amidst a steady drizzle. Bhaker and her coach, Jaspal Rana, were greeted with flowers and cheers.

Manu Bhaker, the celebrated pistol shooter, made a triumphant return to India on Wednesday, following her historic win of two medals at a single Olympic Games. She was met with an overwhelming reception by hundreds of supporters, family members, and sports officials despite the morning drizzle.

Landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport at around 9:20am on an Air India flight from Paris, Bhaker and her coach Jaspal Rana were celebrated with flowers, garlands, and enthusiastic cheers. The 22-year-old athlete secured a bronze in both the women's 10m air pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team event.

Before Bhaker, only Norman Pritchard had won two Olympic medals for India during the 1900 Games in the pre-Independence era. Bhaker's parents, sports authorities, and fans from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand were present at the airport. Bhaker will meet with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and will return to Paris for the Olympic closing ceremony.

(With inputs from agencies.)