Manu Bhaker Concludes Asian Games 2026 Without Medals: A Heartbreaking Journey

Manu Bhaker, the Paris Olympics double medalist, faced a disappointing Asian Games 2026, ending her campaign without any medals. Despite high expectations, she struggled in all four shooting events, finishing outside the podium. The emotional weight of competing without her late coach, Jaspal Rana, added to her challenges. As she reflects on this taxing experience, Bhaker is set to regroup and prepare for upcoming competitions, including the World Cup in Cairo and the ISSF World Championship in Doha. Her journey highlights the resilience required in sports, especially in the face of personal loss.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 28, 2026, 14:07 IST

Manu Bhaker's Disappointing Performance at Asian Games 2026

Manu Bhaker, a double medalist from the Paris Olympics, has wrapped up her participation in the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya without securing any medals across four shooting events. On Monday, the 24-year-old faced another setback in the women's 25m pistol individual and team competitions.

At the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery, Bhaker finished 11th in the qualification round with a score of 579, which meant she did not qualify for the individual final. Earlier, she competed alongside Rani Sarnobat and Esha Singh in the women's 25m pistol team event, where India ended up in fifth place with a total score of 1,727, marking a disappointing end for the pre-event favorites.

Despite Bhaker's struggles, the Indian shooting team has achieved a total of 12 medals, including one gold, seven silver, and four bronze, showcasing a successful campaign for the broader contingent.

Manu Bhaker's Unexpected Medal-less Journey

Before the Asian Games 2026, Manu Bhaker was considered one of India's top contenders for shooting medals, alongside athletes like Esha Singh and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar. However, her unexpected decline in performance left her without a podium finish.

Having previously won a gold medal in the women's 25m pistol at the 2022 Hangzhou Games and two golds plus a silver at the 2026 Asian Shooting Championships in New Delhi, expectations were high for Bhaker to replicate her past successes. Her recent achievements positioned her as a leading figure in the shooting events.

Unfortunately, Bhaker struggled to find her form throughout the four events, concluding her campaign without any medals despite being one of India's prominent shooting athletes.

Impact of Jaspal Rana's Absence on Bhaker's Performance

The 2026 Asian Games held significant emotional weight for Manu Bhaker, as it marked her first major competition following the untimely death of her long-time coach, Jaspal Rana, who passed away from cardiac arrest in June.

Rana's mentorship was pivotal in shaping Bhaker's career. Under his guidance, she secured two medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, overcoming the disappointment of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Reflecting on her journey, Bhaker expressed how much she and Rana had anticipated competing in Japan, emphasizing that his teachings about trusting the process remained a source of strength during this challenging time.

Future Prospects for Manu Bhaker

The past few weeks have been emotionally draining for Manu Bhaker, not only due to her lack of medals but also because of the profound loss of her mentor. As the Asian Games conclude, she is expected to take some time for rest and reflection to cope with the emotional challenges she has faced.

Currently, Jelena Arunovic, a Serbian pistol expert, is coaching Bhaker, provided by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), to help her navigate this transition and ensure she receives the necessary technical support.

Looking ahead, Bhaker's next major competition will be the World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, from October 8 to 14, followed by the ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol in Doha, Qatar, from November 1 to 14. These events will offer her a chance to recover and prepare for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic cycle.