Manu Bhaker an Indian Olympic medalist shooter, has announced that she will resume training in November and compete again next year. Bhaker, who won two gold at the recently completed Paris Olympics, spoke to the media in Delhi ahead of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Final, which begins in the national capital on Tuesday. Speaking to the press, Bhaker stated, “I will return for training in November and the match possibly by next year. I will pay close attention to everything that happens. But, as a pistol shooter, my attention will be drawn to the 10-meter, 25-meter, and pistol events.”
Bhaker stated that her sabbatical from shooting after the Olympics was pre-planned by her and her mentor, Jaspal Rana. “I feel like competing. However, before the Olympics, my instructor advised me to take three months off owing to injuries caused by pistol recoil,” she explained. Bhaker was also happy to be able to spend time with her family. “I eat homemade food and enjoy it,” she continued.
When asked about competing in the World Cup final, Bhaker said it is an excellent opportunity for young players because only the “champions of champions” participate in this event. “Playing here is a huge experience in itself. “Players should make the most of it, give their all, and not be afraid,” she said.
At the Paris Olympics, Bhaker and her partner Sarabjot Singh won bronze in the 10 M Air Pistol Mixed Team event. Manu and Sarabjot defeated South Korea’s Lee Wonho and Oh Ye Jin 16-10 in the bronze medal play-offs. Manu and Sarabjot shot steadily with frequent 10s in the series versus South Korea, securing India’s second medal.
Manu Bhaker won India’s first Olympic medal in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event, finishing third and becoming the country’s first female shooter. Sarabjot Singh and Bhaker then won bronze in the 10m air pistol (mixed team) event, giving India its first shooting team medal.
In her final event, she nearly missed the unprecedented grand treble, finishing fourth in the women’s 25m pistol shooting event. She missed the potential to become the first Indian to win three Olympic medals.