Manu hungry for ‘many more’ medals

New Delhi, August 13

Ace Indian pistol shooter Manu Bhaker has set her sights on winning multiple medals at the Olympics in the future following her historic feat at the Paris Games.

Manu to skip World Cup?

new delhi: Paris Olympics double medallist Manu Bhaker may skip October’s World Cup here as the ace pistol shooter has decided to take a three-month break, her coach Jaspal Rana said. “I am not sure whether she will be at the World Cup in October because she is taking a three-month break. It’s a normal break, she has been training for a long time.” Rana said. The shooting World Cup is scheduled to take place from October 13 to 18. PTI

The 22-year-old scripted history to become the first Indian athlete in post-independence era to win two medals in a single edition of the Games.

Bhaker won a bronze each in the women’s 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event — in which she had paired with Sarabjot Singh.

She also came close to winning a third bronze in 25m pistol before finishing a creditable fourth in Paris. No Indian athlete has won more than two individual medals at the Olympics.

“I think we all work hard to win medals. But if that happens (winning more than two individual medals at Olympics) then that would be great. The aim is to work hard and better this performance in the future,” Bhaker said.

“(I am) aiming to win many more Olympics medals for India,” added Bhaker, who returned to the country after participating in the closing ceremony.

Bhaker had the honour of being India’s flagbearer alongside veteran hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh at the closing ceremony.

“Being the flagbearer was the opportunity of a lifetime, I am grateful that I got this opportunity and will cherish this for a lifetime,” she said.

“I have a very friendly bond with Sreejesh. I have known him since I was a young kid. He is always very friendly, helpful and kind. He made it a lot easier for me in the closing ceremony.”

Bhaker had returned to India last week but had flown back to Paris for the closing ceremony. — PTI