Manu Bhaker-Jaspal Rana Saga: From Public Fallout before Tokyo 2020 to Making History at Paris 2024

Manu Bhaker created history in Paris after she became the first Indian woman to earn an Olympic medal in shooting; clinching bronze in the 10 metre Air Pistol event with a total score of 221.7.

This moment was three years in the making after a gun malfunction had prematurely ended her Olympic medal hopes in Tokyo 2020. And in 2024, the redemption arc was complete as the one elusive medal in her collection was finally in the bag.

The celebrations and smiles were everywhere especially in the stands which featured her coach Jaspal Rana. However, the journey hasn’t been smooth-sailing for India’s young shooting sensation.

In the build-up to the Tokyo games, a full-blown public feud ensued where Bhaker and her family blamed Rana for her troubles and had parted ways. In retaliation, the 8-time Asian Games medallist donned a shirt featuring her mother’s message.

But they put those differences aside and hit the ground running in preparation for Paris 2024 and the result is now in front of our eyes.

Under Rana’s tutelage, Bhaker has won many accolades, ranging from golds at Youth Olympic, Commonwealth Games to the World Cups.

So what was the secret behind this successful partnership? The show’s not over in Paris yet for Bhaker and Rana.

With the redemption arc now complete, all eyes will be on Bhaker as she looks to become the first Indian ever to win multiple medals at a single Olympic edition