SHIFTING the focus from logistical turbulence to the pursuit of excellence, Indian shooting sensation Manu Bhaker has issued a rallying cry to the national contingent ahead of the Asian Games. With reports of widespread frustration regarding athlete accommodation and transportation surfacing from the host city, the double Olympic medalist is urging her peers to transcend the chaos and remain laser-focused on their sporting ambitions.
The build-up to this year’s continental showpiece has been far from smooth. Athletes and officials from multiple nations, including a vocal Indian delegation, have aired grievances regarding the state of village infrastructure, cramped living conditions, and grueling travel times between hotels and training facilities. However, in a compelling message disseminated by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Bhaker emphasized that these hurdles, while inconvenient, must not define the experience of a lifetime.
## ‘We should not waste our energy’
“To all my fellow athletes from India, we will have some issues. I saw a couple of issues circulated on social media and people telling me these are the issues,” Bhaker stated in her video address. “Regardless of whatever the issues we have, this is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and experience. We have to make sure that we enjoy the time rather than complaining.”
For Bhaker, the perspective is rooted in the grueling reality of professional sport. Having climbed the podium twice at the 2024 Paris Olympics—becoming the first athlete from independent India to secure two medals in a single Olympic Games—the 24-year-old understands the level of sacrifice required to reach this stage. She warned that the energy spent dwelling on logistics is energy stolen from the firing line.
“We have prepared the best we can, and so we must try to perform the best we can,” she continued. “We have worked so hard to be here and we should not waste our energy in pointing out that this is not right and that is not right. A medal may come or not, that is another story, but we must give our best.”
## A Beacon for the Nation
Bhaker’s influence extends well beyond her advice; she is set to lead by example as one of India’s two flag-bearers for the tournament’s opening ceremony. Her selection is a poignant recognition of her status as one of India’s most successful modern-era athletes. Following her historic bronze medals in the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events in Paris, she enters these Asian Games not just as a competitor, but as a symbolic leader of the contingent.
For the shooter, serving as a flag-bearer carries deep personal resonance. This year marks her third appearance at the Asian Games, a journey that began when she was just a 16-year-old prodigy at the 2018 Palembang Games.
“When I came to know of this, I had flashbacks of my earlier days,” Bhaker reflected. “When I started, I never thought I would reach this far one day. It’s definitely feeling proud and honored.”
Her presence at the opening ceremony is a rare luxury for a shooter. She recounted that her late coach, the legendary Jaspal Rana, maintained a strict policy regarding the timing of competition schedules. “The first time I attended the opening ceremony was in the Commonwealth Games,” she recalled. “My coach, Jaspal Sir, said he would allow me to attend if I was the flag-bearer, otherwise not. Since our matches usually start just a day after the opening ceremony, it becomes hectic for us. So, in opening ceremonies, I am either a flag-bearer or I watch the ceremony on television.”
## Last-Minute Changes and Resilience
The lead-up to the opening ceremony saw its own share of organizational drama. Originally slated to carry the flag alongside Bhaker, shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor was forced to withdraw from the ceremony due to an administrative hiccup regarding the availability of his formal ceremonial kit. In his stead, seasoned kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat stepped up to share the honor, reflecting the adaptability that the Indian contingent has had to demonstrate in these opening days.
As the games officially commence, the narrative of the Indian team appears to be shifting from one of administrative frustration to one of resolve. With Bhaker’s voice acting as a steadying influence, the focus is squarely returning to the track, the pool, and the range.
Whether the Games prove to be a logistical nightmare or a triumph of spirit, Bhaker’s message is clear: the athletes are there to perform. By prioritizing their craft over their surroundings, the Indian contingent hopes to drown out the noise of the organizers and ensure that their legacy at these Asian Games is written in gold, silver, and bronze, rather than in grievance reports. As the opening ceremonies unfold, the sight of Bhaker leading the Indian delegation will serve as a powerful reminder that while the conditions may be challenging, the ambition of India’s finest athletes remains undeterred.
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