Paris Olympics 2024: 'Only Jaspal Rana Could Bring Out the Best in Manu Bhaker,' Says Veteran Shooter Sanjeev Rajput

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New Delhi, Jul 29: It's a story of comeback and redemption. Manu Bhaker demonstrated remarkable composure and skill to win a historic bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics on Sunday (July 28), becoming the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal at the Summer Games.

This victory ends a 12-year wait for India's overall Olympic medal in shooting since the London edition in 2012, where rapid-fire pistol shooter Vijay Kumar won silver and 10m air rifle marksman Gagan Narang clinched bronze. Interestingly, Narag is the Indian contingent's Chef de Mission in Paris.

Jaspal Rana gets hailed after Manu's bronze medal

Bhaker's journey to the podium in Paris has been one of resilience and redemption. A pistol malfunction in the qualifications at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 had reduced her to tears, leaving her contemplating retirement.

However, her determination saw her through, and she returned to the sport with renewed vigour, thanks to her reunion with coach Jaspal Rana. Bhaker's performance in Paris, where she shot 221.7 in the final to secure the bronze medal, showcased her immense talent and mental fortitude.

While speaking to myKhel, the veteran shooter Sanjeev Rajput lauded Bhaker's performance, highlighting her impressive comeback. "In the final, the mindset you should have depends on how you have reached that point. Manu used her technique very well with the help of her coach. I watched her match until the end, and she looked so confident," the Asian Games medalist told exclusively to myKhel.

Rajput also emphasised the crucial role played by coach Jaspal Rana in Bhaker's resurgence. "After much tussle between Manu, Jaspal Rana, and the Federation, Jaspal Rana showed great heart and resumed training Manu. The result is evident to everyone.

"Manu should know that the performance she was looking for can only come under Jaspal Rana. She made the right decision to return to Jaspal Rana, winning her first event, and now she has two more events remaining," Rajput stated.

Rana's guidance has been instrumental in Bhaker's recent achievements. The decision to reunite with him came after an acrimonious split in the Olympic cycle leading up to Tokyo. However, the positive impact of their renewed partnership was clear for all to see in Chateauroux, where Bhaker's confidence and technique were on full display.

Manu's journey from the heartbreak of Tokyo to the triumph in Paris is a testament to her resilience and the support of her coach. As she continues to compete in two more events at the Paris Olympics, the nation eagerly anticipates further successes.