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| Took me a long time to get over Tokyo, feels surreal right now: Manu Bhaker | | | Agencies
FRANCE, July 28: Manu Bhaker doesn't like to settle for second best, let alone third. But Sunday was an exception and as she spoke, delight mingled with relief after the pistol ace exorcised her Tokyo Olympic demons with a historic bronze medal in the ongoing edition of the Games. Unwavering in her determination, which complements her incredible skills, the 22-year-old Bhaker became the first Indian woman shooter to claim an Olympic medal by snaring a bronze in the 10m air pistol event here.
"After Tokyo, I was very disappointed. It took me a long time to get over that," Bhaker said on Jio Cinema after her win.
"So really grateful that I could win bronze, maybe (it will be) better next time," she added.
"I feel great. This medal was long due for India. It feels surreal."
The triumph opened the country's account in the Paris Games and ended a 12-year wait for its much-hyped shooters.
But, it is has not come easy for the lively markswoman from Jhajjar in Haryana. A pistol malfunction in the qualifications at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 had reduced Bhaker to tears.But, over the past two days, she put up an effort that is expected of an athlete who has won many medals on the international stage.
"India deserves many more medals. As many as possible. The feeling is really surreal, it takes a lot of effort," she said.
It was a close final and she was also in with a chance to win silver at one stage.
"In the last shot, I was fighting with all the energy I had. Maybe I can get better in the next (event)."
Mental toughness is one area where Bhaker has worked a lot over the years, with plenty of help also coming from her coach Jaspal Rana.
"I read a lot of Bhagwat Gita, and tried to do just what I am supposed to do and left everything else to God. We can't fight destiny, you can't control the outcome.
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