Paris Olympics: Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh's Parents Share Their Joys With Entire Nation

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The echoes of jubilation reverberate across India as Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh clinched the bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the Paris Olympics 2024. Follow our elaborated Paris Olympics Coverage

Their victory not only added another feather to India's cap but also etched Manu Bhaker's name in the annals of Indian sports history as the first athlete to win two medals at a single Olympics.

Amidst the euphoria, the reactions of the athletes' families painted a heartwarming picture of pride, joy, and immense gratitude. Sarabjot Singh's father, Jitender Singh, was understandably overwhelmed with emotion. "Manu Bhaker and my son have won Bronze," he told ANI.

"Heartiest congratulations to Manu Bhaker and her family. We are delighted." The victory, he said, was a moment of immense pride for the entire family.

Jitender Singh also expressed his gratitude towards the community. "First, I will visit the Gurudwara and pay obeisance," he said, outlining his immediate plans. "There will be celebrations in our village." The news of his son's triumph is expected to be met with jubilation in their hometown.

While Bhaker's achievement of becoming the first Indian to win two medals at a single Olympics has rightfully grabbed headlines, the role of Sarabjot Singh and his coach, Abhishek Rana, deserves equal recognition.

Abhishek Rana, a former junior shooter who represented India, has been instrumental in shaping Sarabjot Singh into the accomplished athlete he is today. Their partnership began in 2016, and since then, Rana has been the guiding force behind Sarabjot's shooting journey. Hailing from a farming family, Sarabjot's ascent to the Olympic podium is a testament to his dedication and the unwavering support of his coach.

Rana runs a shooting academy in Ambala, Haryana, where he has honed Sarabjot's skills. His expertise and dedication were evident as Sarabjot consistently performed well in national and international competitions, leading up to the Olympics. The road to Paris was not without its challenges, but Rana's unwavering belief in his pupil's abilities kept him motivated.

A key turning point came last year when Sarabjot excelled at the Asian Games. Rana's coaching acumen was recognized, and his efforts played a crucial role in Sarabjot's success. For the Paris Olympics, Rana's presence was secured through a recommendation from PT Usha's Indian Olympic Association (IOA) office. He spent valuable time with Sarabjot at training camps in Chateauroux and Luxembourg, fine-tuning the shooter's skills before the ultimate test.

Meanwhile, Manu Bhaker's father, Ramkrishna Bhaker, was equally elated. "I am feeling the same as you are," he said, mirroring the nation's jubilant mood. "I am happy as much as you are. This is a great news for all the people of India."

He expressed his sincere gratitude to the people of India for their unwavering support. "I would like to thank all the people of India for this opportunity. They have given me so much love and blessings. They have helped me in my tough times," he added.
He expressed confidence in his daughter's future endeavors. "I hope she will do better in the future," he said.

Acknowledging the immense support system behind his daughter's success, Manu Bhaker's father credited his wife for her tireless efforts. "My wife has worked harder than me," he said humbly. "I do a job. I go to the sea. All the credit goes to my wife."

The victory of Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh is a testament to the unwavering spirit of Indian athletes. Their dedication, combined with the support of their families and coaches, continues to inspire the nation.