No lost time: World No. 2 shooter Manu Bhaker on Olympic preparation in lockdown

Manu Bhaker is just 18 years old but the young shooter is one of India’s brightest prospect to win a medal at next year’s Tokyo Olympics. The quadrennial games, which were supposed to be held this year, were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic that is raging through the world for the past many months.

The virus has also resulted in most tournaments, trials and preparatory camps being called off. But the World No. 2, who represents India in the 10m air pistol event, is not frazzled and has been focusing on keeping herself physically and mentally fit. “My training is as smooth as a normal other day,” Bhaker told Opoyi. Bhaker added that she has been practicing at the personal range at her home.

India imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 25 to slow the spread of the dreaded COVID-19 virus, bringing all sporting events to a crashing halt. But the 18-year-old has taken it in her stride. On being asked if she has lost any preparation time due to the pandemic, Bhaker says “No lost time. I enjoyed this period with my family, normally I used to miss.”

Bhaker has also found a novel way to keep her competitive streak alive. “Online shooting competitions are brilliant and encouraging. Not much different from normal competition. Only need one extra person to film and good internet connection besides an electronic range,” says the Commonwealth Games and Youth Olympics gold medallist.

On the road ahead, Bhaker feels that organising more camps and tournaments after the pandemic is brought under control would help athletes be in better shape for the Tokyo Olympics.

The pistol ace has also taken to recreational activities during the lockdown. “I do painting And sketching. Am also learning to ride the bike,” Bhaker says. But her favourite pastime was watching Ramayan and Mahabharat, the popular TV shows that were re-telecast on Doordarshan from March to June.

Bhaker has already secured an Olympic quota for India in the women’s 10m air pistol event. She enjoyed a successful season last year, where she bagged five World Cup gold medals in team and individual events.

She burst on to the national scene at the start of 2018 with a victory at the ISSF World Cup in Mexico, and has not looked back since.