Manu Bhaker’s triumph at the Paris Olympics 2024 is a monumental achievement not just for her but for the entire nation. At just 22 years old, this shooter from Haryana has become a household name in India, making history as the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal. Her coach, Jaspal Rana, played a pivotal role in her journey, but he humbly shares the credit with many others, including the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the government, and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
Beyond the Medals
Manu’s stellar performance, earning two bronze medals, is a testament to her dedication, skill, and mental fortitude. Though she narrowly missed a third medal, finishing fourth in the women’s 25m pistol event, her accomplishments have already carved her name in the annals of Indian sports history.
Mentor’s Approach
Rana, a champion shooter himself, has been instrumental in shaping Manu’s career. His approach goes beyond just refining her shooting technique; he has focused on the mental aspects of the sport. “You can’t teach them how to shoot. They are the next generation. They are better software,” Rana explains. His role has been more about fine-tuning her skills and ensuring she avoids small mistakes that can accumulate over time.
Balancing Act
A significant part of Rana’s coaching philosophy is ensuring that Manu maintains a balance between her rigorous training and her personal life. He encourages her to have a social life, to meet friends, and to avoid burnout. This balance is crucial, as the pressure of being a top athlete can be overwhelming.
Mental Fortitude
Rana’s insights into the mental aspects of the sport are profound. He believes that inculcating the principles of the Bhagavad Gita has helped Manu immensely. “She is in a war-field, where she has to take decisions,” he says, highlighting the mental resilience required to perform at the highest level.
Price of Fame
Manu’s rise to fame comes with its own set of challenges. Rana candidly acknowledges that she will never be a “normal girl” again. “Can Sachin Tendulkar walk on the streets? No. There’s a price that you have to pay. You get luxury but you lose a lot of freedom,” he remarks. This reality is a stark reminder of the sacrifices that come with greatness.
Verdict
Despite the glamour and recognition, Manu’s journey is a story of discipline, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Rana’s guidance, emphasizing both technical precision and mental strength, has been crucial in her development. His humility in sharing the credit for her success speaks volumes about the team effort behind every great athlete.
Also Read: Paris 2024: Bhaker-Singh Duo Wins Bronze in Shooting, Creates History for India
Manu Bhaker’s achievements at the Paris Olympics are not just a personal victory but a beacon of inspiration for young athletes across India. Her story reminds us that while talent and hard work are essential, the right guidance and mental fortitude are equally important. As Manu continues to blaze trails in the world of shooting, she embodies the spirit of dedication and resilience, showing that the path to greatness is paved with both triumphs and sacrifices.
Q&A
Q: Who is Manu Bhaker?
A: Manu Bhaker is a 22-year-old shooter from Haryana, India, and the first Indian female shooter to win a medal at the Olympics.
Q: What did Manu Bhaker achieve at the Paris Olympics 2024?
A: Manu Bhaker won two bronze medals in shooting events at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Q: How did Manu Bhaker’s coach, Jaspal Rana, influence her career?
A: Jaspal Rana focused on both the technical and mental aspects of Manu’s training, helping her refine her skills and maintain balance to avoid burnout.
Q: What was Jaspal Rana’s approach to coaching Manu Bhaker?
A: Rana emphasized mental fortitude, encouraged Manu to have a social life, and applied principles from the Bhagavad Gita to help her make decisions under pressure.
Q: Why does Jaspal Rana believe Manu Bhaker can never be a “normal girl” again?
A: Rana believes that with fame comes a loss of privacy and freedom, similar to other celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar.
Q: What role did the Sports Authority of India and other organizations play in Manu Bhaker’s success?
A: The Sports Authority of India, the government, and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) provided essential support and resources throughout Manu’s training and preparation.
Q: How did reading the Bhagavad Gita help Manu Bhaker?
A: Reading the Bhagavad Gita helped Manu develop mental resilience and make better decisions under pressure, which was crucial during her competitions.
Q: What is Jaspal Rana’s philosophy on balancing training and personal life for athletes?
A: Rana encourages athletes to maintain a social life and balance their rigorous training schedules to prevent burnout and ensure long-term success.
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