Bhaker seeks to continue golden run at Asiad

The stage is getting bigger and the expectations are going higher but Indian shooting sensation Manu Bhaker is grounded as she gears up for another test of her 16year-old mind and body in next month’s Asian Games.

“I want to do well in those events [Asian Games followed by World Championships] but, frankly speaking, I am mainly thinking about competing in the next competition and not about medals. Pressure is there, but it’s there everywhere,” the shooter from Jhajjar, Haryana said as she calmly spoke about the challenges that lie ahead.

Bhaker is also least affected by the controversies surrounding her selection in three events for the Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Jakarta and Palembeng from August 18.

After taking the shooting world by storm with a plethora of medals, including innumerable gold in top international events, the 16-year-old will next compete in 10m air pistol, 25m sports pistol and mixed air pistol at the Asian Games.

In fact, her international gold medal count stands at an astonishing 10, a massive achievement for a teenager. Ignored for the Asiad mixed team air pistol event, the seasoned Heena Sidhu had hit out at the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and, in a thinly-veiled reference to the Haryana girl, said the federation was bending rules to favour the favourites.

One of the “favourites” is understood to be Bhaker, who remains unperturbed. “Main sirf khelne se matlab rakhti hoon, bas [I am only concerned about my shooting]. I am fine if I am picked in three events, if they select me for one event I am fine and if I am not picked for one, then also I am ok,” Bhaker said.

Bhaker’s inclusion reportedly pushed Sidhu to No.2 in the 10m air pistol event and No.3 in 25m sports pistol, from No.1 in the 10m air pistol and No.2 in 25m pistol.