The Asian Games 2026 kicked off on September 19 with the star-studded opening ceremony in Nagoya. One of the two flagbearers of the Indian contingent at this opening ceremony was star shooter Manu Bhaker , who is also one of the biggest gold medal prospects at the continental competition. Carrying the Indian flag at such a huge event was a proud moment for Bhaker, but was also deeply emotional. She admitted that she deeply missed her late coach and mentor, Jaspal Rana.
It was indeed an emotional day without his presence by my side,” Bhaker.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Manu Bhaker said that it was an emotional day for her without Jaspal Rana’s presence by her side. “Missed Jaspal, sir a lot today; he was a flagbearer at the Asian Games.
Fulfilling her coach’s condition
Manu Bhaker will be competing at her third Asian Games in 2022. At the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, she proved her worth by winning a gold medal in the women’s 25m pistol team event. India has high hopes for Manu Bhaker at the Asian Games 2022 as she gets ready to compete in three major events: the women’s 10m air pistol, the women’s 25m pistol, and the 10m air pistol mixed team.
Because shooting events usually start in the morning right after the opening ceremony, Rana always told Bhaker to skip the long parade to save her physical and mental energy. Because my coach Jaspal (Rana) sir said he would allow me to attend the ceremony if I am the flagbearer, otherwise not, “The first time I attended the opening ceremony was in the Commonwealth Games, and I was like, if I am the flagbearer, I will attend. Because her events were held in a different city, during her 2018 debut, she missed the opening ceremony completely.
Since our matches usually start just a day after the opening ceremony, it becomes hectic for us. She returned with no medals at the event. With Bhaker being at the top of her game, there is a genuine chance that she might return with three gold medals from the continental competition.
Since shooting events usually start in the morning right after the opening ceremony, Rana always told Bhaker to skip the long. So in opening ceremonies, I am either a flagbearer or I watch the ceremony on television,” Bhaker had said before the event began.
