Jaspal Rana, the pistol coach who guided Manu Bhaker to her historic double bronze medals at these Olympics, believes that whoever pitted him against her in order to end Manu’s career did not succeed completely.
“We said that we would not discuss what happened last time when we started working together again. And it was effective. They were trying to kill a national asset. Yes indeed she was my trainee and also a national player” said Rana speaking without pointing fingers after India’s youngest star reached all three finals and won two bronzes
In 2021, Manu parted ways with Rana before they reconciled and returned to coaching together last year.
However, Rana claimed he wasn’t aware of anything about Tokyo games
“I’m not sure what happened in Tokyo,” said Rana.“I just packed my bags and went up into the hills, I didn’t even turn on TV during those Games.”
This led to a public spat between them prior to the previous Olympic Games where Indian shooting failed to win any medals for the second straight time due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Rana told reporters here: “I am only here because of help from Indian Olympic Association. I would specially like to thank president PT Usha ma’am and chef-de-mission Gagan Narang. But I have no complaints as Manu has done our country proud.”
Meanwhile coach is already planning for Los Angeles Olympics 2028 four years hence in case of Manu.
