New Delhi, Oct 13 (NationPress) - Paris Olympics double medallist Manu Bhaker expressed heartfelt thanks to her fans, coaches, and the broader sporting community after receiving an award at a special ceremony organized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) at the prestigious Taj Mansingh Hotel in New Delhi on Monday.

“That feeling is truly wonderful. When you dedicate yourself and people acknowledge your accomplishments, it provides immense satisfaction. It also acts as a significant source of motivation,” Bhaker shared with IANS, who returned from the 2024 Paris Olympics with two bronze medals—one in the women’s 10m air pistol and another in the mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh.

For her bronze medal in the individual 10m air pistol event, Manu was awarded Rs 50 lakh, and an additional Rs 25 lakh as her share of the Rs 50 lakh prize jointly given to her and Sarabjot Singh for their third-place finish in the mixed 10m air pistol team event.

The event, attended by IOA President P.T. Usha, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, senior government officials, sponsors, and key members of the sporting community, celebrated India's medal-winning athletes who brought pride to the nation with their performances at the Paris Games.

The IOA honored all medallists and their coaches with cash awards recognizing their invaluable contributions to India's success. Neeraj Chopra received Rs 75 lakh, while Manu Bhaker was awarded Rs 50 lakh and Rs 37.5 lakh for her two medals. Sarabjot Singh received Rs 37.5 lakh, Swapnil Kusale and Aman Sehrawat received Rs 50 lakh each, and the men's hockey team was awarded Rs 10 lakh (main squad) and Rs 5 lakh (reserve players).

During the ceremony, Olympic medallist Sarabjot Singh shared insights about his renewed focus post-Paris, highlighting the importance of mental preparation.

“I am prioritizing mental training, including yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques,” he said. “My goal is to enhance my mental health like never before.”