Manu Bhaker Embraces New Coaching Philosophy, Eyes Future Success After Personal Loss
BHOPAL: A quiet confidence emanates from Manu Bhaker, the celebrated shooter, as she navigates a new chapter in her illustrious career. The recent transition marks a significant shift in her approach, driven by both personal loss and a mature understanding of athletic development. Following the untimely passing of her long-time coach Jaspal Rana two months ago, Bhaker has found a new mentor in Serbian coach Jelena Arunovic, and their burgeoning partnership is already showing promising signs.
The two-time Paris Olympic medallist, who was recently a part of the Asian Games camp in Bhopal, is demonstrating a remarkable adaptability. She is spending an intensive eight hours daily at the MP State Shooting Academy, arriving at 7:30 am and often being the last to leave alongside Arunovic in the late afternoon. This dedication is complemented by an openness to new training methodologies, a trait that Arunovic emphasizes as crucial for high-level athletes.
“Her openness to new methodologies has definitely made the transition to a slightly different way of working easier,” Arunovic told TOI. “I think her flexibility comes first from the fact that she is never completely satisfied with her current level. She is always looking for what can still be improved, either to achieve a better result or to make her performance more stable. That is actually a trait of top athletes.”
This newfound flexibility marks a notable evolution from Bhaker’s earlier years. While in her teenage years, she was known for her strong will and adherence to her own plans, a trait that undoubtedly contributed to her early success, the 24-year-old now demonstrates a more nuanced approach. She is not merely accepting change but is actively seeking to understand its rationale and rigorously test its efficacy.
“I think flexibility at this level does not mean accepting every change immediately. It means being able to understand why something is being changed, test it seriously, and then see whether it can actually help your performance,” Arunovic explained. Notably, Arunovic herself has a strong track record, having coached her sister Zorana to a gold medal in Paris.
The image of Bhaker, a shooting star accustomed to the spotlight, interacting with electricians and ensuring their work is to her satisfaction, highlights a subtle shift in her persona. It suggests an awareness of the impact her presence has, a growing understanding of responsibility that extends beyond the shooting range. This maturity is now translating directly into her athletic pursuits.
With less than two years remaining until the 2028 Los Angeles Games, Bhaker is clearly not resting on her laurels. The star of the 2024 Olympics appears hungry for more achievements and is strategically positioning herself to replicate and even surpass her previous successes. Her willingness to forge new bonds, embrace different coaching philosophies, and adapt to evolving demands signals a determined athlete poised for continued excellence on the international stage.
