SKannan in Chateauroux
Manu Bhaker’s dream week in Chateauroux continued as she qualified for the final of the women’s 25m pistol event at the Paris Olympics on Friday. Having won two bronze medals already at these Summer Games, Manu showcased her skills, strength and inner calm as she scored 590 across the two phases – precision and rapid – to enter the final.
The 22-year-old from Jhajjar, Haryana, has not even celebrated her feats yet. To keep training, to keep being motivated by coach Jaspal Rana, Manu has already touched Himalayan heights. For one athlete to peak again and again in three events at one Olympics is not easy. But then, such has been her work ethic in pursuit of perfection that the phenomenal results are no surprise.
When she touched base with ‘Jaspal Sir’ 13 months ago, it was an attempt to improve herself as a shooter. All the lessons learnt and being rehearsed have shown Manu can adapt to any situation. Her dietary requirements may not have been met, but she is hungry enough for success to overcome hardships. After shooting two slow-fire events in the air pistol, to peak in the 25 metres pistol event was not easy.
“I was preparing her for this and let me say, slow fire helps in sports pistol as well,” Rana told RevSportz. “When she started doing well in the Olympic trials in New Delhi and Bhopal, I knew she was on course. I ensured she maintained inner calm and did not let anything affect her. Yes, I am hoping she will go for a medal on Saturday.”
Less than 15 minutes after Manu had qualified on Friday, she had a cup of curd and dry fruits and was back at training, rehearsing the upper-body movement without actually pressing the trigger. The drill went on for one hour, as Rana wants her to peak again in the final.
Her body language made for compelling viewing on Friday. She was composed like a statue, her heart rate slow and in control. When she squeezed the trigger, the sound of gunfire was like music to the ears. Manu scoring 590 had the Indians in the audience in raptures. But she was inert to it.
When she packed up for the day, it was not over yet. History beckons Manu, and she is ready to attempt her best. The ultimate goal is one more medal, and she is leaving no stone unturned.
To stay updated with the Olympics:
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He also speaks on the crucial role Manu’s mother played in her journey.
Today, the sacrifices made by Manu and her family have finally… pic.twitter.com/RdKKQdjPxW
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) August 2, 2024
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