NEW DELHI: Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, who made history at the Paris Games by becoming the first Indian to win two medals -- remains focused and unaffected by the potential fame and fortune heading her way as she returns to India.
Bhaker has earned a three-month break after securing double bronze medals in a span of three days, missing out narrowly on a third medal in the 25m pistol final with a fourth-place finish.
Bhaker's first bronze came in the 10m pistol event, followed by another in the mixed team pistol event alongside Sarabjot Singh.
Throughout her events, Bhaker displayed unyielding intensity, even while chasing her third medal.
Her personal coach, Jaspal Rana, was constantly by her side, ensuring she stayed grounded. However, with impending millions from cash rewards and endorsements, maintaining focus purely on sport could pose a challenge.
Her management company has already been flooded with 40 commercial tie-up offers, ranging from e-commerce to skincare products, even before her return to India.
Speaking about her future plans in an interview with PTI, Manu said she intends to stick to her shooting routine and other activities like gym and yoga.
"I don't know about handling all that (fame and fortune). I think I am just going to stick with my shooting and my other routine (gym and yoga) around it. What god gives you accept it and try to help people with what you have got," said Bhaker.
"For now I just want to eat a variety of Indian food for the next three months. I don't think Jaspal sir would let me sleep late in the morning. I would eat a lot but ensure that I workout as well."
Manu's straight-talking coach, Jaspal Rana, praised her achievement but emphasized the importance of the coming months in shaping her future. He believes the next three months will give a fair indication of her trajectory.
"Time will tell, three months down the line," Rana said when asked if Manu would stay the same following the performance here.
"She is answerable to a lot of people right now, needs to fulfil her commitment towards fans. There is a price to pay (when you become famous), that is why we kept three months completely off," said the coach.
Despite her accomplishments, Bhaker remains focused on future goals, including aiming for Los Angeles 2028.
"Now I am the kind of person who looks for continuity. But earlier I was not like that. One year for this sport and one year for that sport and over.
"But now I have become the person who is seeking consistency all the time. They say slow and steady wins the race. I am taking more motivation back home for a better outing in the next Games."
Done with competition, Manu might have to stick around in Paris for a while if she is announced as India's flagbearer for the closing ceremony. In case that happens, she would be over the moon.
"It would be an honour of a lifetime. It would be such a privilege but whatever the IOA deems it, there are many Indian sportspersons who are much more deserving than I am."
