Sarabjot Singh received a personal call from Prime Minister Modi after winning bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the Paris Olympics, turning a previous heartbreak into a historic achievement.

New Delhi: After winning the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, July 30, Indian shooter Sarabjot Singh received a personal call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister took some time to meet both Manu Bhakar and Sarabjot Singh, who led India to its second medal. At the Paris Games, he won a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre.

This was India's second shooting medal at the Paris Games after Manu Bhakar's earlier bronze in the women's 10m air pistol event. The Indian pair dominated from the start, leading 4-2 after the third set and 8-2 in the fifth set. Despite a late push from South Korea, who narrowed the gap to 10-6 after the eighth set, the Indian pair held their nerve to claim a decisive win.

Prime Minister Modi urgently called Sarabjot Singh to congratulate him on his performance and wish the mixed team all the best. Unfortunately, he only managed to reach Sarabjot, as Manu Bhakar was unavailable due to a mandatory doping test after the event.

“Many, many, many, congratulations to you. You have made your country proud. Your hard work has paid off. Congratulations Manu from me. In the individual competition you were close, but in the team competition you took glory. Really well done. What is the secret behind your teamwork with Manu? Prime Minister Modi asked Sarabjot Singh over the phone.

“Since 2019 we are playing together in National, Junior World Cup and other World Cups, we hope we will win gold next time,” Sarabjot replied to PM Modi.

# See | Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Olympic medalist Sarabjot Singh and congratulated him for winning the bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. #ParisOlympic2024 pic.twitter.com/0hnJbD0tyb

— ANI (@ANI) 30 July 2024

Sarabjot Singh redeemed himself by winning bronze in the 10m pistol mixed event after overcoming an earlier heart attack. A few days earlier, he narrowly missed the men's 10m pistol final on July 27, making his victory all the more poignant. Partnering with Manu Bhakar, Sarabjot led India to its second medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, turning a narrow disappointment into a historic success.

In a heartfelt gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called Sarabjot to congratulate him on his medal. Although Manu Bhakar was unavailable due to a post-event dope test, the Prime Minister's words of encouragement were clear: “I have complete faith in you. Manu has to prepare for her 25m event; Once again, congratulations.”

Looking ahead, Sarabjot has set his sights on a gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Despite the bronze medal, he expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, underlining his aim to surpass his achievements and achieve more in the future.