Star pistol shooter Manu Bhaker returned to India on Wednesday after achieving a historic milestone by winning two medals in a single Olympic Games. Bhaker, accompanied by her coach Jaspal Rana, received a warm welcome from hundreds of supporters and family members who braved the morning drizzle in New Delhi. Her Air India flight (AI 142) from Paris landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport at approximately 9:20 a.m., delayed by an hour.

Despite the weather, a large crowd had gathered at the airport early to celebrate achievements of Manu Bhaker. The 22-year-old won bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol event and the 10m air pistol mixed team event, where she competed alongside Sarabjot Singh, making history for India.

Before her arrival, Bhaker had expressed excitement about the reception, and she was met with bouquets, garlands, and celebratory dhol as she exited the airport. Flower petals were showered on her and Rana amidst a heavy police presence managing the enthusiastic crowd.

Bhaker’s parents, Ram Kishan and Sumedha, as well as sports enthusiasts and officials from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand, were present. Narayan Singh Rana, former Uttarakhand Sports Minister and Jaspal Rana’s father, expressed pride in Bhaker’s accomplishments, highlighting that she is the youngest Indian to achieve such a feat.

Celebrations continued with songs, dances, and banners featuring Bhaker and Rana. Bhaker is scheduled to meet Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya later in the day and will return to Paris on Saturday to participate in the closing ceremony as one of India’s flag-bearers.