Manu Bhaker Targets Podium Finishes at Home Asian Championships

Image Source: Internet

Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker is gearing up to kickstart her 2026 season with a bang at the Asian Championships in Delhi, starting from February 2-14. The 23-year-old pistol ace aims to put behind a subdued 2025 and make a strong statement in front of the home crowd. Manu, who claimed bronze in the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is set to compete in the 10m and 25m pistol events. The event marks the beginning of the international season and a crucial step in her build-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The upcoming season promises to be a busy one for Manu, with the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya and the World Championships on the horizon. The Olympic qualification cycle will begin soon after the Asiad, making consistency and peak performance essential. Manu's recent national trials performance and her current second position in both events in the latest national rankings are a testament to her form. However, she downplays the level of competition, stating that 'I am my own competition.' The pistol events feature a talented lineup, including Esha Singh, Suruchi Phogat, and Rhythm Sangwan, among others. Manu is set to shoot with a new Italian-made Pardini pistol in the 25m event, which she believes offers better stability and precision. She is also adapting to the ISSF's new stipulations on the pistol grip, which will come into effect this year. Despite the changes, Manu remains focused on her goal of performing at her best and making the most of every opportunity.