Manu Bhaker Confirms Jaspal Rana as Her Coach Despite New Role
In a recent announcement, double Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker has confirmed that Jaspal Rana will continue to coach her, despite his new position as the High Performance trainer for the pistol discipline under the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). This decision comes after a tumultuous period that saw a fallout between the two prior to the Tokyo Olympics.
Reconciliation Leads to Historic Success
Manu and Jaspal’s reconciliation has proven fruitful, culminating in a historic performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Manu made headlines by winning two bronze medals—one in the 10m air pistol and another in the mixed team event. Under Jaspal’s mentorship, Manu transformed her struggles post-Tokyo into a remarkable comeback, becoming the first Indian to clinch two medals in a single Olympic edition since Independence.
Gratitude Towards Her Mentor
Expressing her gratitude, Manu stated, “Honestly, I only have to say one thing that he (Rana) is my coach all I know and he is very good at what he does. He is very very talented and he has been a great coach for me.” This affirmation highlights the strong bond and trust between the athlete and her coach, which has been pivotal to her success.
Future Competitions and Goals
After taking a break to recover from a sore elbow, Manu returned to competitive shooting at the National trials earlier this month, finishing second. Looking ahead, she plans to participate in World Cups in April, domestic competitions in June, and another World Cup in Munich, with her sights firmly set on the World Championships scheduled for Cairo later this year, where she aims to peak at the right moment.
For those looking to support their favorite athletes or get involved in sports, check out Looffers.com for amazing deals on sports gear and equipment.
