The Mongolian legend Behind India's Bronze Wins
There seemed to be no stopping Manu Bhaker at the Paris Olympics.
The 22-year-old etched her name in the history books by clinching two bronze medals for India at the Paris Olympics 2024. She won her first bronze in the 10-Metre Air Pistol Shooting event and later went on to clinch the second bronze in the 10-Metre Air Pistol mixed team event, where she partnered with Sarabjot Singh.
While her success is undeniably her own, it was significantly enhanced by the guidance of Indian pistol shooting contingent’s coach and two-time Olympic medallist, Munkhbayar Dorjsuren.
Mongolia born Dorjsuren participated in six consecutive Olympics from 1992 to 2012, which was one of the key reasons why the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) picked her as India's shooting coach for the pistol team alongside two Indian chief coaches, Samresh Jung and Ronak Pandit. Dorjsuren had earlier trained Rahi Sarnobat, helping clinch gold at the Asian Games 2018.
Originally born in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Dorjsuren later moved to Germany to acquire German citizenship. She boasts an illustrious career, having competed in six consecutive Summer Olympic games. She represented Mongolia at the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympic Games, earning a bronze medal in the women’s 25-meter pistol at the 1992 Olympics. Adding to her accolades, she clinched the 1998 ISSF World Shooting Championship title in the 10-meter air pistol for Mongolia. She also represented Germany at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. She won the 2002 ISSF World Shooting Championships in 25 metre pistol event, and won gold in the Milan leg of the 2009 ISSF World Cup in the 25 metre pistol category.
Dorjsuren's experience proved crucial for Bhaker and Sarabjot in the mixed team final where the shooters are allowed to take time-outs and speak to their coaches. Not only did she contribute with vital inputs but she was constantly egging Indian fans to cheer for the Indians. She contributed in an all-round way to motivate the participants, displaying unparalleled professionalism through her coaching styles. By virtue of her efforts, she has truly kept up with the expectations of Indian fans, and lived up to the faith invested in her by NRAI when she was hired two years ago with the target of 2024 Paris Olympics. The shooting legend has certainly lived up to her promise, strengthening the strong bond of friendship between Mongolia and India yet again.
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