Paris Olympics 2024: Rs 2 crore was invested in Manu Bhaker’s training, says Mansukh Mandaviya

Paris Olympics 2024: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated shooter Manu Bhaker for her historic bronze medal in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol event at the Paris Olympics 2024. Manu Bhaker’s achievement marks her as the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting. She secured third place with a score of 221.7 in the final, making up for her previous disappointment at the Tokyo Olympics due to a pistol malfunction.

Mansukh Mandaviya expressed pride in Manu Bhaker’s success and highlighted the extensive support and investment that contributed to her achievement. “By winning the first bronze medal in the Paris Olympics 2024, Manu Bhaker has made India proud,” Mandaviya told ANI.

He said the role of the ‘Khelo India’ initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which, he claimed, had significantly improved sports infrastructure and increased sports competitions across the country. This initiative focuses on identifying and nurturing sports talent at the school and college levels, providing them with quality coaching and training under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

Mansukh Mandaviya said Rs 2 crore was invested in Manu Bhaker’s training, which included sending her to Germany and Switzerland for specialised coaching. “Around Rs 2 crore was spent on Manu Bhaker’s training. She was sent to Germany and Switzerland for training. Financial help was provided which was needed for her to hire a coach who she wanted. We are providing this ecosystem to all athletes so that they give their best performance at national and international competitions,” he added. Mandaviya expressed confidence in the overall performance of Indian athletes at the Paris Olympics 2024.