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Manu Bhaker's coach, Jaspal Rana, has vehemently criticized the National Rifle Association of India's (NRAI) "ever-changing" Olympic selection policy. Rana believes that the lack of consistency has hindered the progress of promising shooters and will continue to do so if not addressed.Rana, a three-time Asiad gold medalist, questioned the federation's tendency to make last-minute policy changes and its refusal to acknowledge the role of personal coaches. He cited the examples of Saurabh Chaudhary and Jitu Rai, who faded away after showing great promise."The selection policy changes every six months," Rana said. "We need a clear and consistent policy that we can stick to."Rana also expressed concern about the lack of protection for Olympic and world medalists. He noted that Bhaker, despite winning two medals in Paris, will have to fight for a place in the national squad upon her return from a break."We don't see Olympic medalists after one or two Olympics because there is no system to protect them," Rana said. "They should be allowed to compete in every trial."Rana emphasized the importance of collaboration between personal and national coaches. He believes that one person should take the lead, but there should be mutual understanding.Bhaker thanked Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha for ensuring that Rana could assist her in Paris. She said that Usha's support was crucial in her success.Rana's criticism highlights the need for a stable and transparent selection policy that supports the development of shooters and ensures their long-term success.

Legendary double trap marksman Peter Wilson, who guided his compatriot Nathan Hales to trap gold at the recent Paris Olympics, has expressed interest in coaching the Indian shooting team for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.Wilson, 37, is a decorated shooter who won a gold medal in double trap at the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the youngest competitor to achieve this feat. He holds the world record in double trap and transitioned to shooting after a snowboarding accident prevented him from playing cricket.After double trap was removed from the Olympic program, Wilson turned to coaching the Great Britain trap team. His most notable success came in Paris, where his protégé Nathan Hales won gold with an Olympic record, ending a 12-year drought for Great Britain in the event.Wilson has expressed his desire to work with the Indian team, both the senior squad for the LA Games and the juniors for the next 8-12 years. He emphasized his unwavering pursuit of success and his belief that continental championships like the Asian Games and World Cups are stepping stones towards Olympic glory.Wilson's coaching credentials are impeccable. He was trained by the legendary Ahmad Al Maktoum, a member of the Dubai royal family and the 2004 Athens Olympics gold medalist in double trap. India's Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore finished second behind Al Maktoum in Athens.India has been without a foreign trap coach for some time, with most shooters at the Paris Olympics relying on personal coaches. Marcello Dradi of Italy was the last trap coach hired by the Sports Authority of India and the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).NRAI secretary-general Sultan Singh confirmed that Wilson's CV has been received and that a decision on the coaching setup for all shooting events will be made soon. He indicated that the selection committee may meet before the NRAI president's election on September 14 if necessary.Other potential candidates for the job include Daniele Di Spigno, Italy's double trap stalwart, and David Kostelecky, the personal coach of Indian trap shooter Rajeshwari Kumari. However, the NRAI is committed to selecting the best coach available to meet the team's requirements.

Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old shooting prodigy, has emerged as a beacon of hope for India after her remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics. Having endured the disappointment of Tokyo, Bhaker's journey to redemption has been marked by resilience, determination, and unwavering belief.In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Bhaker shared her insights into the lessons she learned from Tokyo and the strategies she employed to achieve success in Paris. Overcoming her fears and embracing a confident mindset proved crucial. She also emphasized the importance of consistent training and the ability to adapt to different match scenarios.Bhaker's brilliance in the mixed event was a testament to her exceptional skills and the support of her coach, Jaspal Rana. She attributed her success to the meticulous planning and preparation that went into each competition.Reflecting on India's overall performance at Paris, Bhaker acknowledged the talent and potential of Indian athletes. However, she stressed the need for better planning, scouting, and support for young athletes. She believes that grassroots development and early identification of talent are essential for India to close the gap on the top medal winners at the Olympics.Bhaker also highlighted the importance of supporting former Olympians like Saurabh Chaudhary, who she considers the finest shooter she has ever witnessed. She urged authorities to provide opportunities for athletes to regain their form and contribute to India's sporting success.Bhaker's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a reminder that setbacks can be transformed into triumphs with the right mindset and unwavering determination.

Manu Bhaker, India's double Olympic medalist in shooting, is taking a well-deserved three-month break to recover from a bruised shooting hand. However, this break is not a vacation for the 22-year-old. She will continue her daily routines, including yoga and waking up at 6 am, and pursue her hobbies, such as horse riding, skating, Bharatnatyam, and violin practice.Bhaker's shooting hand has been injured for the past eight months due to repeated pistol recoils during training. The break is necessary for her hand to heal fully. Despite the injury, Bhaker remains optimistic and plans to make the most of her time off."Now, I have some time off and I can probably do that (martial arts) again," said Bhaker, who was a karate kid in her teens before switching to shooting. "I was not able to get that kind of time to invest myself into that (martial arts). Finally, I can take time off for my hobbies, and I have many, many hobbies."Bhaker's hobbies include horse riding, skating, fitness, Bharatnatyam, and violin. She is particularly excited about horse riding, which she has been learning for some time. However, her coach, Jaspal Rana, has expressed disapproval of this hobby, citing safety concerns."Skating and horse riding are something she should not be doing and she'll be responsible for whatever happens," said Rana. "Who rides a horse thinking that they will fall?"Bhaker is determined to pursue her hobbies responsibly and has assured Rana that she will be careful. She is also looking forward to skydiving and scuba diving, which she has been waiting to do for a long time.Rana emphasized that the break is essential for Bhaker's recovery. "This (pointing to her injured hand) is the reason we are making her rest for three months. Because this (injury) has been for the last eight months and it has not healed till now," said Rana.Bhaker will not compete in the ISSF World Cup Final in October or the national championships and camps that will follow. She will focus on her recovery and return to shooting in three months.

Indian shooting sensation Manu Bhaker has etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to win multiple medals at a single Olympic Games. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Bhaker shared her journey to the podium at the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024, where she secured two bronze medals.Bhaker's Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020 ended in heartbreak due to a pistol malfunction. However, she returned to Paris with a renewed determination and a meticulously planned training regime. "We trained in a way that we were hoping for medals," she revealed. "We planned in a way that things turn out good and this worked in our favour this time."Bhaker's success in Paris is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the growing popularity of shooting in India. "Any achievement is enough to give us motivation," she said. "I think India has a huge amount of talent. I think it will take some time but we will have great talents in the future."Bhaker's medals are particularly inspiring for young girls who aspire to pursue shooting as a career. "I think the parents would be much more flexible with the girls, and the people would accept shooting more after this celebration," she added.The 22-year-old's bronze medals came in the women's 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event, where she partnered with Sarabjot Singh. She narrowly missed out on a third bronze in the 25m pistol, finishing a commendable fourth.Bhaker's achievements have not only brought glory to India but have also set a new benchmark for Indian shooters. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering focus serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.

Manu Bhaker, the Indian shooting sensation, etched her name in history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first Indian since independence to bag two medals in a single edition of the Games. India's overall medal tally stood at six, with Bhaker contributing two. She secured a bronze in the women's individual 10m air pistol event and another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. Bhaker's remarkable performance earned her the honor of being India's flag-bearer at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics.However, Bhaker's Olympic triumph was overshadowed by rumors surrounding her personal life. Videos emerged on social media showing her interacting closely with star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who had won a silver medal in Paris. The videos sparked speculation about a potential romantic relationship between the two athletes.Addressing the rumors, Bhaker stated, "I don't know much about it. I wasn't there when this happened. But since 2018, we have been meeting on the sidelines of events. We don't have that much interaction otherwise. During events, we talk a little. But there is no truth to the rumors that are going around."Bhaker's father, Ram Kishan, further dismissed the speculations, emphasizing that his daughter is too young for marriage. "Manu is still very young. She is not even of marriageable age. Not even thinking about it right now," he said.Kishan also shed light on the close bond between Bhaker's mother and Chopra. "Manu's mother considers Neeraj like her son," he explained.Chopra's uncle also addressed the marriage rumors, stating, "Just as Neeraj brought the medal, the entire country got to know about it. Similarly, when he marries, then everyone will know."Despite the rumors, Bhaker remains focused on her shooting career. Her historic achievement at the Paris Olympics has cemented her status as one of India's most promising young athletes.

Paris Olympic double medalist Manu Bhaker is considering skipping the upcoming World Cup in New Delhi in October due to a planned three-month break from shooting. The 22-year-old made history in Paris, becoming the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals in shooting. She earned bronze in both the women's 10m air pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh.Bhaker's coach, Jaspal Rana, confirmed her decision to take a break. "I am not sure whether she will be at the Shooting World Cup in October because she is taking a three-month break. It's a normal break, she has been training for a long time," Rana told PTI Videos.The Shooting World Cup is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from October 13 to 18. Rana, who played a crucial role in Bhaker's Olympic success, said they will focus on peaking at the 2026 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games after her break.Bhaker's decision to take a break highlights the importance of rest and recovery for athletes. Despite her recent success, she recognizes the need to recharge and prepare for future challenges. The three-month break will allow her to physically and mentally reset, ensuring she returns to competition stronger and more motivated.The Indian shooting contingent has performed exceptionally well in recent international events, including the Paris Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. Bhaker's decision to take a break is a testament to the team's commitment to long-term success and their understanding of the importance of athlete well-being.

Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medalist, expressed mixed emotions about India's performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. While acknowledging the team's achievement in matching its London 2012 medal haul, Bindra lamented the absence of a gold medal.India sent a 117-member contingent to Paris, hoping to surpass its previous best Olympic performance in Tokyo. However, the team returned with six medals: five bronze and one silver. Bindra believes this result falls short of expectations, particularly in terms of gold medals."The Olympics is an incredibly challenging platform to perform on," Bindra said. "External and internal expectations can hinder athletes from letting go and performing at their best."India's campaign began promisingly with Manu Bhaker winning two bronze medals in shooting. Swapnil Kusale added a third bronze in the men's 50m rifle 3 position. However, the badminton, boxing, and archery contingents failed to deliver medals.In the final days of the Games, Neeraj Chopra won a silver medal in javelin throw, while the men's hockey team and wrestler Aman Sehrawat clinched bronze. Vinesh Phogat's disqualification prevented India from potentially winning a gold medal in wrestling.Despite the disappointment, Bindra emphasized the importance of continued investment in Olympic sports. "We must consolidate the gains that have been made and work harder to get there," he said.Bindra believes that India's athletes have performed well overall, but the lack of gold medals remains a concern. He urged athletes to focus on their own performance rather than external expectations.

India's performance at the Paris Olympics, while not as impressive as the Tokyo Games, still showcased progress and potential. Despite a dip in medal count from seven to six, India's athletes demonstrated resilience and determination.Neeraj Chopra, India's most decorated Olympian, emphasized the importance of considering fourth-place finishes and the quality of performances. India had four fourth-place finishes, including a potential medallist who was disqualified for not meeting weight requirements.While shooting was absent from India's medal tally in Tokyo, it contributed three medals in Paris, along with three fourth-place finishes. Boxing and badminton, which had delivered medals in Tokyo, failed to do so in Paris, raising questions about their preparation and performance.Despite significant financial investment in preparation, India's athletes faced challenges in athletics, where the gap between India and the world's best remains wide. However, exceptional individuals like Chopra continue to inspire hope.Gagan Narang, the Chef-de-Mission, acknowledged the widening gap between India and other nations in key Olympic sports like track and field and swimming. He stressed the need for effective structures, programs, and plans to bridge this gap.Hockey, which medalled in two consecutive Olympics, aims to build on its success by linking it with youth programs and academies. India's head coach, Craig Fulton, believes that with the right priorities, anything is possible.While India fell short of expectations in Paris, the performances of its athletes, including those who narrowly missed medals, provide a foundation for future growth and improvement.