Jaspal Rana returns as ace shooter Manu Bhaker's coach 2 years after highly-publicised split

Jaspal Rana, a legendary pistol marksman and winner of multiple gold medals at the Asian Games, has officially confirmed his return as the coach of renowned Indian shooter Manu Bhaker. This reunion comes nearly two years after their highly publicised split, which dominated headlines for days.

Manu, who has secured numerous gold medals at World Cups, a silver medal at the World Championships, and emerged as the champion at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, had previously severed ties with Rana due to reported irreconcilable differences leading up to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

The split between Manu and Rana was widely regarded as a key factor contributing to her disappointing performance in Tokyo, where she also faced the setback of a pistol malfunction that left her on the verge of tears.

Confirming the news to PTI, Jaspal Rana stated, "Yes, I will be pairing (up) with Manu Bhakar and (will) train her. It's confirmed. It's between me and Manu, I don't need any permission from anyone for that. I will be coaching just Manu and not the entire Indian pistol team. I'll be her personal coach"

Regarding the reconciliation, Rana attributed the initiative to Manu, highlighting that the decision to reunite was made solely between the two of them, without any involvement from external parties.

"I think the credit goes to her. It (the talk was) between me and Manu, nobody else was involved in us deciding (to pair up again)," Rana stated. Prior to the Tokyo Olympic Games, Rana held the position of the junior national coach.

Rana made it clear to Manu that their renewed partnership would be a fresh start, leaving behind any bitterness from the past.

"I told her very clearly that what had happened in the past had happened and I don't give a damn about it. What is done is done, the damage is done. But now there will be a mutual understanding and there will be no talk about the past. We'll just talk about shooting and the professional way of doing things," Rana affirmed.

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(With PTI inputs)