Deconstructing Legend Manu Bhaker at Paris Olympics 2024

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Manu Bhaker attempted something unthinkable, going for her third medal in pistol shooting at the Paris Olympics. On Saturday, the 22-year-old shooter showed poise and battled an intense shoot-off before finishing fourth in the 25-metre sports event.

As Manu walked back to the chair and sat down, she was gazing at the action. Perhaps, she was also replaying in her mind what all she had done in her campaign in this last one week at the pistol ranges. To finish with two bronze medals and a fourth spot in one, she is indeed "The Greatest," as Late Muhammad Ali was addressed.

Yes, Indian shooters have won medals at the Olympics before. Col Rajyavardhan Rathore won a silver in 2004 Athens in double trap, Abhinav Bindra won gold in 2008 Beijing in air rifle and two men -- Vijay Kumar and Gagan Narang -- won silver and a bronze in 2012 London. All that is rich history. Yet, for one girl to showcase her skills and substance was unthinkable in the Paris 2024 edition.

Yes, Chinese shooters and the Koreans shot like robots. If shooting needed a human face and one who talks, smiles and emotes, Manu Bhaker is the new queen. The world of shooting has taken note of Manu this time. Praise is pouring in from all quarters, which includes Bindra and Gagan Narang. What is even more defining is the fact Manu has prepared so hard for this effort, against all odds.

Coach Jaspal Rana backed her to the hilt, as he knew what Manu could pull off. What Jaspal did not achieve himself in his own shooting career, he ensured Manu would do it. This was not one genius at work. Two were at work, Manu and Jaspal Rana. They created an inner ring, did not let anyone disturb them, not even parents. For over a year they conceptualised and executed Mission Paris. It was methodical and at the same time few had imagined this intensity would play out.

Manu had closed herself to the external world. No social media, no wasting time on her cell phone. She had become her own prisoner, for Paris Olympics was a dream. To peak in it, she had been drilled in the fundamentals and ensured any external pressure would not affect her. This was not easy, after what happened in Tokyo three years ago. This time, her weapons were ready, including spare pistols. And inside the shooting lanes, Manu was cool and almost inert to what the others were doing in the next lane.

The best part about Manu, to peak again and again was crazy. It seemed almost impossible and illogical, what she did. Air pistol, team event and then the sports pistol. All three matches were different in nature but Manu looked the same in all, full of dedication and ready to handle the pressure. How many hours went into this cannot be calculated, be it shooting ranges in New Delhi or Bhopal or Dehradun. Then again, when Manu and Jaspal came to Europe almost five weeks before the Olympics, the blueprint was ready.

That they did not share details with all, it was a good secret. Strategy, when to do what and how Manu mastered her lessons. Each time she faced the big tests in three events, the 22-year-old lass showed a superb presence and inner calm. Meditation, ice bath, yoga, exercise and relying on the spiritual path for calm, this is a new package.

Manu has not let anything affect her, not even the poor quality food in Europe. There were days when she ate something as frugal as yoghurt and nuts. Yet, her hunger pangs had to be controlled. Instead of complaining, she became hungrier for performance. She missed her mother's meals, she missed so much. That was penance since the Olympics requires something special.

Manu has given over a 100 media interviews, yet she did not complain. For all those who heard her, she is a fantastic athlete and very motivational. The girl who was in LSR College as a kid has blossomed to become a national icon. The celebrations have begun. Truly, Manu has delivered so emphatically, two bronze medals worth their weight in gold.