NEW DELHI: Indian Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker announced her plans to resume training in November and return to competitive shooting next year. Speaking to the media in Delhi ahead of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Final, Bhaker expressed her excitement about the upcoming event and her commitment to her sport.
“I will be back for the training in November and to the match maybe by next year.I will follow all the action thoroughly. But my eyes will be on 10 metres event, the 25 metres event and the pistol events, since I am a pistol shooter,” she stated.
Bhaker’s break from shooting, she revealed, was a mutual decision made with her coach Jaspal Rana, aimed at addressing injuries she sustained from pistol recoil.
At the recently concluded Paris Olympics, Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal, securing a bronze in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event. She followed this achievement with another bronze alongside Sarabjot Singh in the mixed-team event, marking a significant milestone for Indian shooting sports.
Despite narrowly missing out on a historic third medal in the women’s 25m pistol event, where she finished fourth, Bhaker’s performances have solidified her status as a leading figure in Indian sports.
Reflecting on her time off, Bhaker expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with her family. “I am happy that I got a chance to spend time with my family after a long time. I eat homemade food and enjoy it a lot,” she shared.
As for the ISSF World Cup Final, Bhaker believes it serves as a significant platform for emerging talents. “To play here is a big experience in itself. Players should make the most out of it, give their best and not be afraid,” she advised.
