Jaspal Rana and Manu Bhaker had an infamous fallout a few months before the Tokyo Olympics. There was a lot of infighting within the shooting contingent which went to Tokyo. After a disastrous outing by Manu and the other Indian shooters who failed to win a medal, dirty linen was washed in the public. Rana was even blamed by the national federation for creating a rift in the team. However, Manu realized that parting ways with Rana had hampered her growth and went back to his coaching stable to prepare for Paris 2024.
After Manu’s medal here, Jaspal did not want to talk about controversies but did say: “Well, there were problems, small problems. They became big because of some people. But Manu and I worked hard to overcome those hurdles,” he said.
“She has put in a lot of hard work. If someone gives me 100% in training, I will give back 200%. Otherwise, I lose interest. Manu has worked very hard and deserves whatever she is getting in return.”
Taking a dig at the naysayers who were once again questioning the coach-player duo, he said: “There are a lot of gurus in our country, experts who will predict things, pull down people, also try to take credit. Manu’s medal is an answer to their negativity. It made her mentally tougher. I am proud of what she has achieved.”
And what does he think of her chances in the upcoming events? Any favourites?
“She did not win a quota in 10m air pistol but has won a medal. There are no favourites for us. Every competition is tough. No time to rest, we have work to do,” he said.
