Key facts
- Coach Jaspal Rana, who guided Manu Bhaker, has died at 49.
- Bhaker's father, Ram Kishan, stated Rana instilled discipline and a results-oriented approach in her.
- Rana's guidance was crucial for Bhaker's achievements, including her Paris Olympics performance.
- A past disagreement involved Rana wanting Bhaker to withdraw from one of her Olympic events.
- Rana returned to coach Bhaker for the Paris Olympics, supporting her in both events.
Ram Kishan, the father of Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker, has remembered Jaspal Rana, who coached his daughter, as a pivotal figure who instilled crucial discipline and a results-oriented mindset. Rana, who passed away at 49 following cardiac complications, played a significant role in Bhaker's career, including her performance at the Paris Olympics.
Kishan told PTI that Rana's biggest contribution was imparting discipline, focus, hard work, and a results-oriented approach to Bhaker. He described Rana as a strict but kind-hearted mentor, a 'hard taskmaster but good at heart,' who was a legendary shooter and a disciplined individual. Kishan recalled that Rana's training was excellent and that he often encouraged Bhaker to work hard and have faith in herself.
Kishan disclosed that a rift had occurred between Bhaker and Rana a few months before the Tokyo Olympics when Rana wanted her to drop the 25m pistol event, despite her qualifying for both it and the 10m air pistol. This disagreement significantly affected Bhaker, who was then a teenager contemplating her future in the sport. However, before the 2024 Paris Olympics, Rana realized the situation and agreed to coach her again, supporting her decision to compete in both events. Kishan noted that from that point, Bhaker's form improved, and she understood the importance of discipline.