As Bharat’s star shooter Manu Bhaker celebrates her historic bronze medal win in the Paris Olympics 10m Air Pistol final, her coach Jaspal Rana reveals a personal struggle that contrasts sharply with her success. Despite their public fallout after Bhaker’s failure to secure a medal at the Tokyo Games — blamed partly on a malfunctioning pistol — Rana’s dedication to Bhaker has remained unwavering.
Rana turns emotional as he recounts the challenges he has faced, “After Tokyo, I was blamed for a malfunctioning pistol, even though I wasn’t present there. Those who criticised me are now seeking interviews with me. I’ve answered their questions, but can they compensate for the losses I’ve endured?”
Despite Bhaker’s remarkable achievement in Paris, Rana reveals a harsh reality: he has not received a salary from the National Rifle Association of India or NRAI or any other organisation in the past three years. “I am nobody, I just did a job Manu wanted me to help her out with. But are people aware I have had no monthly salary from the National Rifle Association of India or any other agency over the last three years? I am more than happy Manu has shown what she can do, I only tapped into her potential. I need to go back to Bharat and start afresh. I need to find a job to earn money,” Rana admits candidly.
He expresses gratitude to PT Usha and Captain Ajay Narang for facilitating his accreditation for the Olympics but laments the personal hurdles he faced even after this acknowledgment. “Getting the accreditation was a moment of joy, thanks to their support. Yet, I faced numerous difficulties despite that,” Rana reveals.
Rana’s approach to coaching has always been about subtle guidance rather than imposing his will. “I don’t impose my views on the shooter. Kids today are smart and know what they’re doing. I just made a few tweaks to help Manu,” he explains.
His current focus remains on supporting Bhaker through her final matches while he grapples with his own financial struggles. “Manu is the star, and I’m just the coach who hasn’t been paid. I need to find a job when I return to Bharat. The past three years have been incredibly tough,” Rana reflects, visibly emotional.
