Manu Bhaker to pursue hobbies during three-month break from shooting
What's the story
Manu Bhaker, India's double medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has decided to take a three-month break from competitive shooting.
This break comes after her participation at the Paris Games and is necessitated by a hand injury caused by repeated pistol recoils during training.
However, Bhaker's time off will not be idle as she plans to engage in various hobbies.
Hobbies
Bhaker's interests include martial arts
During her break, Bhaker intends to revisit some of her favorite pastimes.
These include martial arts, horse riding, skating, fitness workouts, Bharatanatyam dance lessons, and violin practice.
"Now I have some time off and I can probably do that (karate) again," the 22-year-old told PTI.
She also expressed a particular fondness for horse riding and fitness workouts.
Coach's concerns
Bhaker's coach expresses concern
Despite Bhaker's enthusiasm for her hobbies, her coach Jaspal Rana has expressed reservations about some of her planned activities.
He showed particular concern when horse riding was mentioned, stating that she needs to return "in one piece."
Rana further cautioned that activities like skating and horse riding could be risky and that Bhaker would bear responsibility for any consequences.
Determination
Bhaker remains undeterred by coach's warnings
Despite her coach's warnings, Bhaker remains determined to pursue her interests.
She revealed that she has been learning horse riding for some time and was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to engage in this activity post-Olympics.
"I was waiting...that after the Olympics, I will do horse riding," she said.
Other adventurous pursuits on her list include skydiving and scuba diving, activities she has long desired to try out.
Competition break
Bhaker to miss ISSF World Cup Final due to injury
Bhaker's hand injury, which has been troubling her for the past eight months, is the primary reason for her taking this break.
Rana emphasized that rest is crucial for her hand's recovery.
Due to this injury and her planned hiatus, Bhaker will not be participating in the season-ending prestigious ISSF World Cup Final scheduled for October in New Delhi.
Triumph
Olympic triumph
Bhaker, 22, made history for India at the Paris Olympics by winning a bronze medal in both the women's 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event.
In the latter, she was paired with Sarabjot Singh.
This achievement marked her as the first Indian woman to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics.