India’s shooting sensation Manu Bhaker spearheaded her nation’s impressive medal rush on the opening day of the prestigious multi-sport event. The young shooter’s outstanding performance set the tone for India’s contingent as they aimed to make their mark on the global stage.
Manu Bhaker, the 21-year-old shooting prodigy from Haryana, put on a display of exceptional marksmanship in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol event, captivating spectators and judges alike with her precision and focus. With nerves of steel, she executed each shot with finesse, leaving her opponents trailing in her wake
Manu Bhaker registered a score of 239.7 to beat Sara Fabian of Hungary, who settled for the silver. Yu-Ju Chen of Chinese Taipei finished third. The Indian shooter was trailing going into her final two shots but came from behind to top the podium.
Another Indian shooter, Elavenil Valarivan, added to India’s medals tally with a gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle event. Meanwhile, Indian judoka Yamini Mourya clinched a bronze medal in the women’s 57kg category.
This was Elavenil Valarivan’s third World University Games medal. At the 2019 Games in Naples, the 24-year-old Indian shooter won individual silver and team bronze. Later in the day, Yamini Mourya won the women’s 57kg event by ippon against Mongolia’s Oyunchimeg Oyungerel.
Yamini Mourya won her first two bouts before losing to eventual gold medalist Mimi Huh of the Republic of Korea in the semi-finals to get to the bronze medal match. Meanwhile, by reaching the final, the Indian mixed compound archery team guaranteed a medal.
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