EXCLUSIVE: Manu Bhaker breaks silence on her ‘ugly’ rift with Jaspal Rana, claims he is the best coach who can help her win medals for India ahead of Asian Games

Manu Bhaker speaks about her equation with Jaspal Rana as she prepares to bring gold for India from Hangzhou Asian Games.

EXCLUSIVE: Manu Bhaker breaks silence on her ‘ugly’ rift with Jaspal Rana, claims he is the best coach who can help her win medals for India ahead of Asian Games

Jaspal Rana and Manu Bhaker (Image via The Hindu)

At 21, Manu Bhaker is already a veteran in pistol shooting. It seems like yesterday the rustic kid from Haryana had arrived at the shooting ranges with a bang. Success brings with it the usual share of woes. That is exactly the situation today for Manu, who is fired up for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, which will be officially inaugurated on September 23.

In an exclusive chat with FirstSportz, Manu poured her heart out. There was emotion in it and also an appeal of sorts that she be treated kindly by lovers of shooting as well as the media at large.

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FS: How have you been preparing for the Asian Games?
Manu Bhaker: Time flies, that is the first thought which comes to my mind. I was 16 in 2018 when I had done well at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. I had more good results in the World Cups as well, in 2018. But then, I did not do as well as expected in the Asian Games in Palembang in 2018. This time, I am more composed and ready to take on the challenge.

FS: Can you take us back to the last few years, how your journey has been?
Manu Bhaker: I know a lot of people associate me with controversies. For me to forget scenes from Palembang is very hard. I had shot 593, a Games record in the prelim phase (qualifying round) and then could not win a medal. It was as if the media wanted to hound me. To wipe out those memories is not easy. I mean, I was doing well, giving it my best shot and it was my first Asian Games. This time, I am better prepared and shooting just one event, the sports pistol.

Read further: Indian athletes set to shine on big stage at Asian Games as Hangzhou set to touch great heights host, believes OCA President Raja Randhir Singh

FS: Tell us about what happened in Tokyo during the Olympics in 2021, an air pistol malfunction and the chaos that followed…
Manu Bhaker: What happened in Tokyo was crazy. A malfunction in air pistol is almost unheard of. My team and I were not prepared I suppose in 2021 and what happened after that is forgettable.

FS: You have joined hands again with coach Jaspal Rana. Your thoughts on being back with him?
Manu Bhaker: Yes, I am back with Jaspal Sir. Let me tell you, in all honesty, nobody other than Jaspal Sir understands me the best. We have sat down and forgotten whatever differences were there. For me, he is the best coach who can help me and India win a medal or medals. I have spent time with him and worked on a few aspects. For me, it’s all about being with a coach I am comfortable with. The NRAI (National Rifle Association of India) must find ways for Jaspal Sir to be with me at major events. I definitely need him around.

Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana
Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana (Image via The Bridge)

FS: Tell us more about your equation with Dronacharya Jaspal Rana?
Manu Baker: When Jaspal Sir was around, I had to worry about nothing. He took care of everything. All I had to do was shoot. Today, that’s not the scenario. He is not part of the Asian Games squad and it’s my humble request to the authorities I can have Jaspal Sir on board.

FS: Back to the weapon malfunction in Tokyo, are you ready now with two weapons for the sports pistol match in Hangzhou?
Manu Bhaker: There was a time when I was shooting three events for India, air pistol, sports pistol and the team event. In the Asian Games and then the Asian Championship, I am there only in 25 metres sports pistol event. Today, I have three sports pistols, all ready. I am also fully prepared with my air pistols in case I am needed for India. A lot of lessons have been learnt over the years and keeping my weapons ready for the matches is an important aspect.

FS: Mental training and pressure, what are your thoughts on it?
Manu Bhaker: I would be lying if I said I feel no pressure. Be it competing at the national level or international level, pressure is always there. I have to deal with it. Maybe, when Jaspal Sir was there with me as a coach, it became easy. He took care of so many things. I have to do my best and we are working on it. The Asian Games are important and also the Asian Championship as that has quota places for the Paris Olympics. I mean, when I look back at five years of my career, it’s as if time flew by.

FS: Would it be safe to say today Manu Bhaker is more mature, and more composed?
Manu Bhaker: Let me put it this way, so much has happened over the last few years, and I am much more experienced now. I am working with Jaspal Sir on a few aspects but it would be best for me if he is there as coach. I wish I could have him around in major competitions, and I have already made my request to the NRAI. I am definitely more mature today and many lessons have been learnt in life at large and in shooting.

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