All of 22, it is not a surprise that he has not considered himself a role model and is aware of the fact that it brings with it many responsibilities that will only assimilate when he grows as a person and as an athlete.
The first Indian after independence to win two medals in one edition of the Olympic Games and the first woman in the country to medal in shooting at the Games, accolades that understandably took time to sink in for Manu, after winning individual bronze in the air pistol. and a mixed team, where he partnered Sarabjot Singh.
The hat-trick was not missed, and the fourth place in the 25m pistol event joined the list of the most famous Indian Olympic figures by some big names like Milkha Singh, PT Usha, Abhinav BindraDipa Karmakar and Aditi Ashok among others.
Taking a moment after finishing his campaign in Paris and waiting to carry the Indian flag at the closing ceremony on August 11, Manu took time out to talk to Timesofindia.com about the two biggest moments of his career.
Do you have enough time to celebrate your monumental success?
(Smiles) After winning the first medal, the next day I held the second event (mixed team). So there was no time to celebrate. And when I got here, I can’t sit and celebrate one medal when I have three events to play and I have to give my best in each one. So I’m always waiting for the next one after it’s done.
I am sure your coach Jaspal Rana will not allow you to celebrate…
100%
Did you ever think you would come back from Paris with two medals?
To be honest, I was hoping for a medal. We have prepared in the way we want to medal. But yeh nahi pata tha ek hoga, do hoga ya teen honge (I don’t know if it will be one, two, or three). We just stick to the plan, and the plan is to do your best and keep trying in every match, no matter how, win or lose – just be ready for all situations.
Sarabjot must have been looking for your inspiration after the narrow accident and bronze of your personal air pistol, although you both have been shooting since junior high school for Haryana as well as India…
I don’t think I took care of him. A mixed team consists of two players. It’s not like if I’m the only one who’s good or if he’s the only one who’s good, we’re going to win. It’s both ways. It is not self-made; we both contribute equally. He was a hardworking kid. He did a great job and we won together for India.
You have created many firsts, but the unique one is being the first Indian athlete to win a medal as well as finish a thrilling fourth (25m Pistol). How do you describe contrasting emotions?
The first day I finished third, the second match we won bronze from a position where we would either win bronze or go home with nothing (in the mixed team). So one day third (position), then the next match is also third. But when the fourth place happened, I felt that I had experienced all the emotions in one edition of the Olympics, which was great. I know fourth is not a very good position, but I hope it motivates me to do better in the next Games (Los Angeles 2028).
At the Bhopal World Cup, you won a senior international medal (bronze in the 25m Pistol) after waiting two years after your forgettable Olympic debut in Tokyo. You think your comeback and transformation starts from there?
In terms of travel, I have been preparing for the last eight years, since I realized how big the Olympic stage is. But to be honest, the preparations started after the disastrous campaign in Tokyo. After that, I have always felt inside that I want an Olympic medal, I want to win. It kickstarred from there. Then, when Mr. Jaspal and I started working together again, planning became better – like how to organize training, what competitions to do, you can relax.
When did you feel the need to reunite with your previous coach — Jaspal Rana?
I think the main reason is that I don’t like it. It (shooting) has become a job for me – it’s like a 9 to 5 job. It just doesn’t give me joy. How long can you do something that doesn’t make you happy, doesn’t give you happiness. Therefore, I don’t like it, so I can leave or just work again with Jaspal Pak. So it happened.
Is he a super strict coach like he was during junior high training at the Siri Fort Sports Complex in Delhi?
Bilkul, same (smiling).
Indian athletes have benefited in various fields after their Olympic success, be it monetary or in terms of recognition. But there is also a responsibility to be a role model. Even though you still have a long playing career, what do you think?
Being a role model is a big thing. Although I do not believe that I am still at the stage where I can be a role model; but if that’s the case, I’m very grateful that God gave me the opportunity to appreciate it.
As you said, I still have a shooting career and I want it to be a very long one, at least 10-15 more years, if not 20. But everyone needs something, I always tell them that I train here. what gym is here, I live here, so you can come and see me anytime or ask for any help. And I always want to tell the young athletes to be consistent with their performances and everything they do every day is a routine that helps them perform well. If you are not consistent in anything, you will not last more than a year or two.
