Manu’s training at her home shooting range
Even amid the lockdown, India’s ace shooter Manu Bhaker remains focused on her training and is devoting her time to physical and mental fitness. “I’m relaxed at home and not trying to think about the previous games but focusing on preparing myself to the best of my abilities. I incorporate exercises and Yoga in my daily routine. I also believe in meditation; it helps me stay calm and composed,” says Bhaker, who is quarantining with her family in Haryana’s Jhajjar.
Primed for success at Tokyo Olympics, Bhaker rues at postponement of the games. “This was supposed to be my Olympic debut. The postponement is disheartening but it was absolutely necessary,” says the 18-year-old, who had qualified to represent the country in the women’s 10m Air Pistol category.
Indeed, Covid-19 and the forced leave have not dampened Bhaker’s spirit, who still trains every day. She says, ‘’During the 2018 Commonwealth Games, my father converted the gallery in our house into a single lane shooting range. I train here every day. I also recently received equipment from the Sports Authority of India.’’
Bhaker is also utilising the time to revisit her old hobbies. “In shooting, we have a lot of competitions back to back, so I am using this time to take a breather. I like listening to music and I love to paint. I also try to read and prefer watching TV, to being on the phone all the time,’’ she shares.
With her maiden Olympics pushed a little far, the young gun is only hoping for the best. ‘’Whatever happens, happens for the best. No honour would be greater than winning an Olympic medal for India, and I hope the event doesn’t get cancelled,” she signs off.