Manu Bhaker reflects on mixed feelings after World Championship bronze: Could have done better

For most athletes, a World Championship medal is cause for celebration. For Manu Bhaker, it was another reminder that her standards are much higher than podium finishes.

The two-time Olympic medalist admitted she had “mixed feelings” after claiming bronze in the women’s 25m pistol at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou. where compatriot Esha Singh struck gold to complete a memorable one-two for India.

Rather than bask in another international medal, the 24-year-old opted for honesty.

“Another bronze. I have mixed feelings about it. I’m happy that I could improve my performance, but at the same time I know that I could have been better,” Bhaker wrote on X after the competition.

“What makes me happy is seeing the hard work show. There’s still a lot of room for improvement and that’s what keeps me motivated. One step at a time.”

These words perfectly describe the mindset that has defined Bhaker’s career. Ever since she became the first Indian to win two medals in a single edition of the Paris Olympics, she has been surrounded by expectations everywhere. However, the Haryana shooter continues to measure himself not just by medals but by how close he comes to a perfect match.

MANU’S EYES FIXED ON BIGGER GOALS

The bronze in Hangzhou extended Bhaker’s unusual run to 2026. Despite being among India’s most consistent women’s pistol shooters, she is still looking for her first individual gold medal of the season.

Her next notable podium finish came at the World Cup in Munich, where Samrat Rana won silver in the mixed team 10m air pistol event. She also came top twice at the Asian Championships in Delhi, but both titles came in team events rather than individual events.

Her latest medal also came after an emotionally draining few weeks. Bhaker traveled to Hangzhou following the death of her long-time mentor and Indian pistol coach Jaspal Rana, who died in June aged 49 after suffering heart complications. Rana played a key role in Bhaker’s revival, leading her to her historic Olympic success and helping her rebuild her confidence after the disappointment of the Tokyo Games.

With the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games fast approaching, Bhaker has been selected in both the 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events. She also has fond memories of the previous year in Hangzhou, where she won gold for the women’s team in the 25-meter pistol in India.

A bronze medal in Hangzhou may not have completely satisfied Bhaker, but her own assessment suggests she is already looking beyond.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

29 Jul 2026 11:44 IST