New Delhi: After two bronze medals at Paris Olympics, Manu Bhaker endured a lean phase, which she hopes to overturn at the Asian Games and the subsequent World Championships.
Following her Paris Games high, Manu coul only manage a 10m air pistol World Cup silver last year and a 25m pistol silver at the Asian Championships this year.
But with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics qualification cycle beginning this year, Manu wants to be on top of her form quickly.
“We have the Asian Games (in Japan) and the World Championships coming up at the end of this year, so definitely we are looking forward to the two major competitions,” the 24-year-old pistol ace said.
“So, the preparations which me and my coach we have… we sat down sometime back and we planned what are the (upcoming) competitions and what is the preparedness. I feel we have all the things sorted and hopefully we will do very well.”
Thumbs up to shooting’s CWG return
Shooting’s return to the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which will be hosted by India, after exlcusion from 2022 and 2026 is a good sign, Manu said.
“My first breakthrough was in the Commonwealth Games that was in 2018 Australia (Gold Coast). It is sad (that it was not part of the CWG curriculum for two successive editions), but at the same time I am also looking forward to the 2030 Games.
“We will be hosting the Commonwealth Games so I am looking forward… I am sure India will do great,” she added.
Manu will be in action at the ISSF World Cup Munich next month and said she explored a spiritual path after Paris 2024.
“Yes, I am a very spiritual person. That journey began around the time of the Olympics, and I’m really happy to be continuing on that path.”
Meanwhile, the National Rifle Association of India marked its 75th anniversary by announcing a plan to introduce 7.5 lakh youth to shooting.