Manu Bhaker admits she 'tried too hard' after mixed team 10m air pistol exit

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker believes she ‘tried too hard’ in the mixed team 10m air pistol event at the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday (July 27). Bhaker and partnr Saurabh Chaudhary were among the favourites in this event. However, they failed to make the medal round after finishing seventh in the second qualifier.

“I think I tried way too hard. It was my first Olympic Games but there is a long journey ahead,” said Bhaker after the event.

Indeed, such was her desperation to win a medal at one point she looked over to coach Ronak Pandit. Bhaker explained that was due to her feeling like she was losing control over things.

“That was quite unexpected. Sometimes you don’t have control over things. Either when you try way too hard or expecting too many things,” she explained.

Indeed, expectations were high but that was for a reason. The duo of Bhaker and Chaudhary have won five World Cup gold medals and one silver medal in the mixed team event.

She swatted away the idea that she let her partner down, who was in fine form during the event.

“I have always been trusting Saurabh. He has always been performing pretty well. Everyone wants to perform well. But sometimes if one of us doesn’t do well, we understand.”

Manu Bhaker eyeing 25m air pistol medal

Bhaker is focussed on the 25m Air Pistol event which is scheduled to take place on Thursday. “The other event is completely different. I have been preparing well for it. I think I will be fine.”

She also dismissed suggestions she was too young to be taking part in three events. “If you haven’t noticed, I have been participating in three events for three years now. So why would it be any different now?”

Meanwhile, Chaudhary was short of words after making an exit from Tokyo 2020. “No, it’s not a big shock for me. I did what I could. No pressure because of the hype,” he said.

One can only hope there are better days ahead for the talented duo.