"My Best Performance Lies With My Personal Coach Jaspal Rana": Manu Bhaker

Ace Indian pistol shooter Manu Bhaker on Sunday indicated that not being allowed the freedom to take her personal coach Jaspal Rana in major international competitions could be holding back her performance, and requested the NRAI to resolve the issue. Legendary pistol shooter Rana recently reunited with Bhaker after the much-publicised split two years back ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Rana is now working with the multiple-time World Cup gold medallist to help her bag a 2024 Paris Olympic quota place and win medals at the Asian Games in Hangzhou.

But the National Rifle Association of India's (NRAI) policy of not allowing personal coaches to accompany shooters at international competitions is something which has been a sore point with several marksmen for long.

"I'm hoping that this situation gets sorted soon. I've put in a request that he (Rana) accompany me for major competitions, like the quota competitions or the World Championships and all these...major events at least," Manu told PTI on the sidelines of a sendoff function organised for the Asian Games-bound shooting team.

The Hangzhou Asian Games are scheduled to commence on September 23.

Manu, who missed Rana during the World Championships in Baku recently, however, hoped the issue will be resolved soon.

"Most likely it will be sorted. I think Kalikesh (Singdeo, NRAI president) is really supportive of me and he's been helping me out and in certain situations.

"Even the team coaches are very coordinating (co-operative) but, I believe, my best performance lies with my (personal) coach only, which is why we have reunited," added Manu, the winner of nine World Cup gold medals in individual and team events.

Asked about the key areas Rana was working on to improve her