Sarabjot Singh and Manu Bhaker defeated Korea’s Oh Ye Jin and Lee Wonho 16-10 in the bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics, securing their place on the podium. There was some drama towards the end when the Koreans made a comeback, but the Indian duo held on to win.
At 67, Labh Kaur finished her Sukhmani Paath recital at her home in Dhin village. She was surrounded by family, including her son Jatinder Singh and daughter-in-law Hardeep Kaur. Her grandson, 22-year-old Sarabjot Singh, had paired with Manu Bhaker to win the mixed 10m air pistol bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. She proudly showed her grandson’s past medals to relatives.
“The medal Sarabjot won today is from the world’s biggest games,” Labh Kaur said. “Whenever he wins a medal, he shows it to me first. This time, I will welcome him at the main gate with the Olympic medal.”
Sarabjot’s father, Jatinder Singh, manages the family farm. Sarabjot took up shooting at Bhagirath School in Koolpur village and later joined coach Abhishek Rana’s academy in Ambala. He also enjoyed dancing and eating his favorite dishes, dal makhani and paneer.
“He would cycle to school and catch a bus to Ambala for shooting practice,” Hardeep Kaur said. “After returning home, he would practice Bhangra to relax and ask for dal makhani and paneer.”
Sarabjot’s grandfather, Hardev Singh, was in the USA visiting Sarabjot’s uncle. The family made a video call to share the news of the bronze medal. “All his uncles were following the match, and his grandfather will be glad to hear the news too. Sarabjot has made the village and India proud,” Jatinder Singh said.
After missing the final of the men’s 10m air pistol event by one inner 10 shot, Sarabjot was emotional. His father’s encouragement helped him recover and win the bronze medal with Manu Bhaker.
Sarabjot started shooting in 2014 under coach Shakti Rana and later joined Shooters Terrace Academy in Ambala Cantt. He would cycle more than three kilometers before catching a bus to Ambala. His father bought him his first pistol after he won a youth bronze medal at the nationals, borrowing money and working extra to afford it.
Sarabjot’s rise was rapid, winning gold at the Junior World Cup and Asian Championships in 2019, and earning his first cash award from the Haryana government. Coach Abhishek Rana noted Sarabjot’s physical strength and natural grip, which helped him improve his scores.
Sarabjot recently won two World Cup titles and a bronze at the Asian Championships, securing a quota for India at the Paris Olympics. He had an injury last year but recovered well to perform strongly at the Olympic trials.
Despite buying a new SUV recently, Sarabjot still values his roots. “He likes riding our old motorbike with friends but asks me to buy more farmland with his cash awards,” his father said.
At DAV College, staff and students cheered for Sarabjot and Manu. Professor Amanendra Mann, who was in Paris as an ISSF jury member, celebrated their win. Both Sarabjot and Manu joined the college in 2022 and are pursuing postgraduate diplomas in mass communications.
“The DAV College shooters community is strong and supportive,” said Mann. “With these Olympic medals, they will motivate youth in Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana.”
DAV College principal Dr. Rita Jain announced plans to honor Sarabjot and Manu upon their return. “We will have a special welcome ceremony for the pride of our college,” she said.
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Source: The Indian Express
