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

For most athletes, a World Cup medal is a reason to celebrate. For Manu Bhaker, it was another reminder that her standards are far higher than a place on the podium.

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

Rather than basking in another international medal, the 24-year-old chose honesty.

“Another bronze. I have mixed feelings about this one. I am happy that I was able to improve my performance, but at the same time, I know I could have done better,” Bhaker wrote on X after the competition.

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

Those words perfectly capture the mindset that has defined Bhaker’s career. Ever since becoming the first Indian to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympic Games in Paris, expectations have followed her everywhere. Yet, the shooter from Haryana continues to measure herself not by medals alone, but by how close she comes to executing the perfect match.

MANU’S EYES FIRMLY FIXED ON BIGGER TARGETS

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

Her other notable podium finish came at the Munich World Cup, where she partnered Samrat Rana to win silver in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. At the Asian Championships in Delhi, she also finished on top twice, but both titles came in team competitions rather than individual events.

Her latest medal also came after an emotionally draining few weeks. Bhaker travelled to Hangzhou following the death of her long-time mentor and India’s pistol coach Jaspal Rana, who passed away in June at the age of 49 after suffering heart-related complications. Rana played a pivotal role in Bhaker’s resurgence, guiding her to her historic Olympic success and helping rebuild her confidence after the disappointment of the Tokyo Games.

With the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya now fast approaching, Bhaker has been selected in both the 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events. She also carries fond memories from the previous edition in Hangzhou, where she anchored India to the women’s 25m pistol team gold.

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

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