CHATEAUROUX: "Surreal. I know I said it on Sunday but that is how I am feeling," Manu Bhaker said after her second medal.
She is now the first Indian to win two medals in the same Olympic Games. Has the enormity of it all sunk in? "Whenever I leave India for a competition, I try to give my best. The Olympics is a special stage. The Tokyo experience made me realise that. When I stand in that lane with the pistol in my hand, I feel assured that I have worked very hard. I have nothing to worry about."
Then she added, emphasizing that this is just a milestone in her journey, not the end: "My journey will continue. I will keep moving ahead, keep working hard."
What did she and Sarabjot discuss last night about the final? "Nothing specific. We talked after our qualification round. We were relaxed, just went through our routines."
Does she feel that she has become a legend now, like Neeraj Chopra and PV Sindhu, who are with her in the Games Village? "Who am I to say this? I look up to people like Neeraj and Sindhu. They are my seniors and will remain so. You can't compare me with them."
She also talked about how the Bhagavad Gita has motivated her. "Yes, it does. I can simply say that you have to be honest with yourself. You cannot pretend. If you are not getting results today, it will come later. Do not give up during your difficult period."
When asked about the upcoming 25m air pistol individual competition, and to think she could land her third medal here, Manu laughed: "Are you trying to put pressure on me?" Then, she became serious: "Well, I hope my luck stays. A part of my dream is in my bag, the other is around my neck. everyone dreams of more and more medals."
