Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old Indian shooting prodigy, has silenced doubters with a near-perfect score in the first 25m women’s pistol Olympic selection trial. This dominant display comes after a tumultuous few years that almost saw her give up the sport altogether.
Manu Bhaker: Shooting Star loses her way
Manu Bhaker entered the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 as the World No. 1, brimming with potential. However, a disappointing performance left her empty-handed. The following two years were marked by a struggle to regain her form and a waning passion for shooting.
“Up until the beginning of 2023, I was on the edge of giving up,” Manu Bhaker admitted. The sport she once loved felt like a chore.
Rekindled Passion and a Near-Perfect Return
Fortunately, a reunion with her former coach, Jaspal Rana, seems to have reignited Bhaker’s passion. Rana’s guidance led to a shift in her routine and mindset, refreshing her approach to the sport.
The results spoke for themselves. Manu Bhaker’s performance in the selection trial was nothing short of phenomenal. She scored an incredible 47 points, just shy of the world record and a staggering eight points ahead of her nearest competitor.
Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead
Manu Bhaker acknowledges that the Tokyo heartbreak was a valuable learning experience. “Three years can change any person, and I have also evolved,” she says. The experience will provide her with mental strength, a crucial factor in the high-pressure Olympic environment.
Bhaker recognizes the growing talent pool in Indian shooting, welcoming the competition from “youngsters” coming through the ranks.
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The Road to Paris Olympics
While this is just the first of four selection trials, Manu Bhaker’s performance sets a strong marker for her Olympic aspirations. The path to Paris won’t be without challenges, but this dominant display serves as a powerful reminder of her immense talent and newfound resolve.
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