Manu Bhaker Reflects on Loss and Legacy After Asian Games Performance
Manu Bhaker fought back tears after finishing fifth in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. The 24-year-old athlete was overwhelmed with emotions when she was asked about her late coach and mentor, Jaspal Rana, who passed away in June at the age of 49.
This was Bhaker’s first major competition since Rana’s death. He had significantly impacted her shooting career, and she deeply felt his absence during this important event. Struggling with her emotions, Bhaker reflected on the lasting influence Rana had on her life and career. “When someone is such a big part of your life, it stays with you,” she said.
Rana, a legend in Indian shooting, was instrumental in Bhaker’s success, helping her earn two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Over his career, he secured eight medals at the Asian Games, including four golds.
One key lesson Rana imparted to Bhaker was to concentrate on the process rather than the final results. “He always stressed that at any moment, you must be ready to give your best performance and stick to your process,” she mentioned.
During the final, however, Bhaker faced challenges, particularly when an 8.9 on her eighth shot dashed her hopes for a medal. “As much as anyone wants to deny it, that definitely compromised my chances,” she admitted.
Her journey to the Games was not smooth; Bhaker revealed that her pre-training session was particularly tough. “I encountered many issues during training yesterday and struggled to focus,” she shared.
Despite this, she was determined to stick to her process during both the qualification rounds and the final. “In most of my shots, I followed my plan, but a few didn’t turn out as I hoped,” she explained.
Bhaker couldn’t help but note the difficulty of competing without Rana by her side. She recalled how much she looked forward to having him around at the Asian Games. “He was a champion, the best of the best. I was really excited to compete in Japan with him guiding me,” she said, pausing to collect herself.
Rana’s wisdom extended beyond shooting as he advised her to embrace life’s unpredictability and to always be kind. “He taught me to live life to the fullest,” she recalled.
Although she didn’t secure a medal this time, Bhaker felt she performed better than in past training simulations. “When comparing performances, I did slightly better here,” she noted with a sense of optimism.
Looking ahead, Bhaker expresses hope for improvement in future competitions. “I’m positive I can do even better in the future,” she said, recognizing the support of her team, including her coach, Jelena Arunovic, who played a vital role during these challenging times. “So many people work hard behind the scenes to help us perform,” she said gratefully.
Leaving the Asian Games without an individual medal, Bhaker maintained a positive outlook on her performance and aspirations for the future. “I’m really grateful for this experience and hopeful for what’s to come,” she concluded.
