Paris Olympics 2024: 'We can't fight destiny,' says Manu Bhaker on overcoming Tokyo upset after winning bronze

Manu Bhaker, India's first medalist at Paris Olympic Games 2024, said that Bhagvad Gita helped her cope up with Tokyo Olympics disappointment.

The comments came after Bhaker won a bronze medal in women's 10m air pistol event on Sunday (Jul 28) and became first India woman shooter to win a medal at Olympic Games.

"After Tokyo, I was very disappointed. It took me a long time to get over that," Bhaker said to broadcaster Jio Cinema after her win.

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Also Read:Paris Olympics 2024: India shooter Manu Bhaker wins historic bronze in women's 10m air pistol event

"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," she added when asked how she dealt with the disappointment in Tokyo.

In Tokyo Games, Bhaker's gun developed technical snag in the 10m air pistol event qualifying round and she failed to advance to the final round.

In the mixed 10m air pistol event she finished seventh with partner Saurabh Chaudhary despite topping stage 1 of the qualification round.

She also failed to make it to the final round in the 25m pistol event as well.

The shooter, however, was happy to win an Olympic medal and vowed to do better next time.

"Really grateful that I could win bronze, maybe (it will be) better next time. I feel great. This medal was long due for India. It feels surreal," added Bhaker.

On Sunday, Manu shot a total score of 221.7 in 20 shots for her bronze medal as South Korean duo of Oh Ye Jin and Kim Yeji won gold and silver, respectively.

This was also India's first shooting medal since 2012 London Olympics where Gagan Narang and Vijay Kumar had won a bronze and a silver, respectively.