Manu Bhaker to take 3-month break, may skip World Cup
Manu Bhaker, India's double medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is set to take a three-month break from competitive shooting. This information was confirmed by her coach Jaspal Rana. The hiatus could result in Bhaker missing the upcoming World Cup in New Delhi, scheduled for October 13-18. "I am not sure whether she will be at the Shooting World Cup in October because she is taking a three-month break," Rana told PTI Videos.
Bhaker's historic performance at Paris Olympics
Bhaker, 22, made history for India at the Paris Olympics by winning a bronze medal in both the women's 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event. In the latter, she was paired with Sarabjot Singh. This achievement marked her as the first Indian woman to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics.
Bhaker's journey to Olympic success
Bhaker began her Olympic campaign with the 10m air pistol women's pre-event training on July 26. She qualified third in the qualification round on July 27, scoring an impressive 580/600, including 27 inner tens. Bhaker then secured her bronze medal in the final on July 28, after surviving five eliminations and scoring a total of 221.7 points.
Bhaker's performance in mixed team event
In the mixed team event at the Paris Olympics, Bhaker teamed up with Sarabjot Singh. The duo qualified third in the qualification round on July 29. They went on to win bronze against South Korea, with Bhaker outscoring Singh. These victories not only brought India its first medals at the Paris Olympics but also ignited the country's Olympic campaign, boosting confidence among other athletes.
Bhaker's dedication and future plans
Bhaker also competed in the 25m pistol women's event at the Paris Olympics, finishing fourth in the final on August 3. Her rigorous training schedule often began as early as 7am and continued late into the evening. After her break, coach Rana said they will work to peak at the 2026 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. "It's a normal break, she has been training for a long time," Rana told PTI Videos.
