Shooting: Oh Ye Jin strikes gold, Manu Bhaker secures first India medal

Two South Korean shooters broke an Olympic record, securing gold and silver medals in the women's 10-metre air pistol event on Sunday. Manu Bhaker of India took bronze, earning India's first medal of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Following yesterday's action, Oh Ye Jin won gold with a score of 243.2 points on day two, finishing strongly to hold off teammate Kim Yeji, who scored 241.3. Eight of Oh's last nine shots scored at least 10 points out of a possible 10.9.

"I still cannot believe I'm wearing a gold medal on my neck right now, but maybe if time goes by, I will believe I have a gold medal," said 19-year-old Oh, who burst into tears after her victory. "This medal is very heavy, by the way."

“I’m very happy we scored first and second," the newly-crowned Olympic champion added. "I thought this was really helpful because we could really help each other, so there was less pressure for us. "She (Yeji) is my roommate, and thanks to her, I could feel less pressure for the match.”

Silver medalist, South Korea's Kim Yeji (L) and gold medalist South Korea's Oh Ye Jin (R). GETTY IMAGES
Silver medalist, South Korea's Kim Yeji (L) and gold medalist South Korea's Oh Ye Jin (R). GETTY IMAGES

The previous Olympic record for a women's 10-meter air pistol final was 240.3, set by Russian shooter Vitalina Batsarashkina in Tokyo three years ago. Batsarashkina is not among the small number of Russians competing in Paris as neutral athletes.

Oh's gold medal was the first in shooting at the 2024 Olympics to be won by a country other than China, which claimed the first gold of the Games on Saturday and added a second on Sunday in the men's 10-metre air pistol.

Manu Bhaker earns bronze and India's first Paris medal

The bronze medal went to Manu Bhaker of India, who was eliminated with 221.7 points before the gold medal shootout between the two South Korean teammates. This marked India's first medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and its first ever in women's shooting.

"I have three more events to go, and I hope India finishes strong in this Olympics and wins as many medals as possible, not just in shooting but also in other sports," shooting sensation Bhaker told reporters.

Manu Bhaker managed bronze and India's first medal. GETTY IMAGES
Manu Bhaker managed bronze and India's first medal. GETTY IMAGES

Bhaker beamed with the bronze around her neck. “I am happy to do this for my country and my people, and you always need to be on your toes and be prepared. I’m very grateful for this medal, and it was long due."

"I have three more events and three more matches to shoot," she added. "I hope India finishes strong and win as many medals as possible in shooting and in other events.”



Women's 10m air pistol final results

1. Oh Ye-jin, South Korea, 243.2 points

2. Kim Ye-ji, South Korea, 241.3

3. Manu Bhaker, India, 221.7

4. Thu Vinh Trinh, Vietnam, 198.6

5. Li Xue, China, 178.2

6. Jiang Ranxin, China, 156.5

7. Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, Turkey, 135.6

8. Veronika Major, Hungary, 114.0

Men's 10m air pistol final results

1. Xie Yu, China, 240.9 Points

2. Federico Nilo Maldini, Italy, 240.0

3. Paolo Monna, Italy, 218.6

4. Lee Wonho, South Korea, 197.9

5. Christian Reitz, Germany, 177.6

6. Robin Walter, Germany, 158.4

7. Damir Mikec, Serbia, 136.9

8. Davaakhuu Enkhtaivan, Mongolia, 115.7


Xie Yu scored 240.9 to win the gold medal, ahead of two Italian shooters. Federico Nilo Maldini took silver with 240 points, while Paolo Monna, who led the competition midway, was eliminated in the bronze medal position with 218.6 after some costly errors.

"If I hadn't won, this may have been my biggest regret," Xie told reporters. "It is very difficult to be selected for China for the Olympics, so to be able to stand here today, on this higher stage, is very significant for me."


On Monday 29 July, the following shooting events will take place at the Paris Olympics:

Trap Men's Qualification - Day 1 starting at 09:00.

10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Qualification beginning at 09:15.

10m Air Rifle Women's Final at 09:30.

10m Air Rifle Men's Final at 12:00.

For more details and updates, you can check the official Olympics schedule here.