If maturity could be measured by a conversation, then this fresher version of Manu Bhaker is ready to shoot for gold at the Paris Olympics this July. In an exclusive chat with RevSportz, Manu opened up on her schedule, how she has learnt to deal with wins and losses and handle the pressure.
“This is a new Manu, someone who is better prepared to shoot a gold for India in the Olympics,” she said with a great deal of emphasis. “A gold for myself and for the country.” Having competed recently in the ISSF World Cup in Cairo recently, Manu is happy with the way she is shooting.
“I did not win a medal in Cairo, but I am happy with the way I am shooting, my technique,” said Manu. With less than 176 days to go for the Paris Olympics, there is a scramble for the athletes to fine-tune their game and peak on the big stage. At the same time, there are athletes still trying to make the cut as well.
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🚨EXCLUSIVE
Setting her sights on the Paris Olympics, Manu Bhaker aims to peak at the right moment.
Tune in to discover how Manu has evolved since the Tokyo Olympics as she outlines her preparations for Paris.@realmanubhaker @kannandelhi @BoriaMajumdar #Olympics… pic.twitter.com/M1sb8TsRyS
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) February 1, 2024
Manu is well aware, after the lows of the World Championship and the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023, of how she has managed to bounce back. She won a quota place at the Asian Championship later last year. Without batting an eyelid, she credits Jaspal Rana, her personal coach, for all that he has planned out for her.
“My coach and I have done a lot of detailing,” said Manu. “Every small point has been jotted down and I am executing it. Nothing is being left out, the focus is on doing the right thing the best way, almost to perfection.”
Does it not result in a conflict for Manu that when she trains at home, it is under the guidance of Rana, a Dronacharya Award winner, and when she travels abroad, there are a different set of coaches? “I am lucky I have the right support system in place with me,” said Manu. “Yes, when I travel abroad, I have a different set of coaches. But when I am at home, all the planning and execution is carried out by Jaspal Sir. I think it is fair my personal coach travels with me abroad for the major competitions. I wish that happens.”
The sports-pistol shooter also spoke at length of how the “support system” in place includes the coach, physio, trainers and more personnel. “I feel there is a whole system involved and that helps me perform well,” stated Manu.
Asked to compare the past with the present, Manu stressed that there was nothing wrong with her when she shot in multiple events for India in the Tokyo Olympics three years ago – air pistol, sports pistol and the mixed event. “I was confident in Tokyo three years ago and I am equally confident now as well,” she said. “Today’s Manu is more mature, and I have learnt a lot more, how to deal with tough situations.”
She knows the experience of shooting in possibly her second Olympics will be to her advantage. The way the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has tweaked the selection policy, all the 19 shooters who have won quota places will have to go through two trials. “The trials do not intimidate me,” said Manu, a huge statement in itself.
The way shooting has grown in India, with young and fresh faces going flat out, there is amazing depth. To be sure, the amalgam of youth and experience is a positive sign. Manu does feel bad that she is no longer part of the air pistol event, but that has not diminished her intense desire to do well in the sports pistol (25 metres).
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