Pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, who made history by winning back-to-back two Olympic medals in Paris earlier this year, has finally returned to her training routine. However, she has another plan and will be skipping the upcoming National Championships slated for next month. This is another big tournament she’s skipping this year post-Olympics. Earlier, in October, she decided not to take part in the ISSF Shooting World Cup final, in Delhi. Now, her personal coach Jaspal Rana announced that Manu would not be participating in the National Championships, saying “She won’t compete in the Nationals. We haven’t trained enough for that.”
Focus on grip modification
Currently, Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana, are currently in Europe for grip modification. Hence, they decided to skip another event.
“We are presently concentrating on modifying the grips,” Rana shared with TOI from Germany. “Our trip to Europe was pre-planned for this purpose,” he added. “There are many aspects we need to work on, but I cannot reveal much now. I can assure you that these efforts aim to bring significant changes in the future.”
Manu competes in the 10-metre and 25-metre pistol events, and grip customisation for her equipment in these disciplines is underway. The 10m pistol grip is being adjusted at the Morini factory in Bedano, Switzerland, while the 25m weapon grip is being made by Nill-Griffe in Germany.
Training in Switzerland
Rana also mentioned that Manu and several other Indian shooters are training in Lugano, Switzerland. “Our practice has commenced, and we have access to a dedicated range in Lugano,” he said. “The Morini company has facilitated this opportunity, not only for Manu but also for other young Indian shooters joining us. Training alone is pointless,” he added.
Skipping the National Championships
Manu has taken a a big break since earning two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics earlier this year. She clinched third place in the women’s 10m air pistol event and the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh.
Fans and Netizens have raised concerns about her prolonged absence from shooting post-Olympics and her involvement in promotional activities. In response, Rana stated, “Doesn’t matter what people say, we are not answerable to anyone.”
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