Regardless of this outstanding accomplishment, Bhaker stays grounded, urging followers to mood their expectations as she prepares for her remaining occasion, the 25m sports activities pistol.
“I hope the love stays. I’ll positively strive my finest. I hope individuals are not disillusioned or something. I’ll see how my efficiency goes,” Bhaker stated.
Bhaker’s journey so far has been marked by each triumph and adversity. Her efficiency on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the place a pistol malfunction hampered her probabilities, fueled her willpower for fulfillment in Hangzhou.
The heartbreak of Tokyo, she admits, makes her latest victories even sweeter. “The sensation is surreal as a result of I hadn’t hoped I will win two medals in a single Olympics. There’s yet one more match to go (in 25m sports activities pistol). So, I’m wanting ahead to the following one, however I’m grateful that I acquired one other medal for India,” she added.
Her partnership with fellow 22-year-old shooter Sarabjot Singh has been instrumental of their shared success. Their synergy and composure had been evident of their dominant efficiency in opposition to the Korean group within the combined occasion.
“This (bronze medal at the moment) is a part of the dream; one half is within the bag and the opposite one is with me right here. An athlete, when he performs for India, his dream is to win a medal on the Olympics and that was my dream as effectively. And, I’d need to win as many medals as potential within the Olympics,” Manu admitted.
“After the expertise in Tokyo, I realise how particular profitable this (medal) is. Once I begin on the lane, I do know I’ve labored onerous and so many individuals have supported me all through my journey. Olympics is a particular stage and so many individuals watch it,” she added.
Regardless of her historic achievement, Bhaker stays targeted on the duty at hand. Acknowledging the stress that comes with representing her nation, she emphasised the collective dream of each Indian athlete – to face on the Olympic podium.
“I can not say that about myself (turning into a feminine sporting icon); if folks name me that then I’m grateful. However my journey will proceed and there isn’t any stopping for me, I’ll preserve working onerous even when I win or lose. I will preserve my head excessive and take a look at my finest,” she acknowledged.
Manu additionally admitted that she drew inspiration from the likes of Neeraj Chopra and PV Sindhu, acknowledging, “I’ve at all times regarded as much as athletes like Neeraj (Chopra) (PV) Sindhu, who’ve at all times been capable of show themselves at sure ranges. They’ve at all times been my seniors, I can not evaluate (myself with them).”