EXCLUSIVE: Feels good to be back, have to work harder, says Manu Bhaker

Manu Bhaker made a strong comeback after a long gap to competitive shooting. In what can be termed as heavy-duty trials, where she had to shoot four competition matches in air pistol and sports pistol, Manu finished on the podium thrice. For someone making comeback after almost six months this was good. The rust was there but she knows she has to shake it off.

“I have been away for a while and the comeback has been challenging. I am happy with how I recovered and came back but there is a lot of work for me to do ahead,” Manu told this writer on Friday. Competing with an inflammation in her right elbow, Manu was in pain but took it in her stride. “I know I can shoot more strongly and if I did not do well in the finals of the last trial, I realise it. At the same time, I am not offering my elbow flare up as an excuse,” said Manu.

On her route ahead, Manu said top priority would be to shake off the pain and get full fitness and strength.  “It is good to be back and once I have sorted this elbow issue, I will be training harder with Jaspal Sir,” said Manu.

Coach Jaspal Rana was honest in his assessment. “Manu’s return to shooting has been much anticipated and for me it is a good sight to her shoot with the same passion. There is obviously rust and she has to sort out this elbow inflammation. Looking ahead, it is challenging and exciting Manu will work harder. For me as her coach, the bar is always going to be higher and higher. There is massive competition in the field and the way ahead for Manu is keep training hard, work on consistency and ensure her focus is 100 per cent. If you ask me how to rate her, I am glad she is back after a log break. One does not forget shooting but to be regular and put in 100 per cent, that is what we will strive for,” Jaspal Rana told One Turf News.

After the highs of the Paris Olympics, where Manu won two bronze medals and finished fourth in sports pistol, she had taken a long break. She had been working on her fitness and gym as well but on return she realizes there is a dense field out there. Given her passion and enthusiasm, she should make it to the top soon but there will be plenty of slogging to do.

She had done it in 2024 before the Olympic Selection Trials, so putting in long hours to attain perfection will happen. Those who have watched Manu Bhaker  since 2018 know she will keep challenging herself. The road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is going to fire her up intensely.