‘Discipline changed everything’: Manu Bhaker’s father remembers Jaspal Rana’s biggest contribution

New Delhi: Mourning the sudden demise of legendary shooter and coach Jaspal Rana, double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker’s father Ram Kishan has revealed that the former shooter’s biggest contribution to his daughter’s career was instilling discipline, self-confidence and a results-oriented mindset that eventually helped shape her into a champion.Rana (49 years old) died on Thursday after suffering from heart complications, leaving Indian sports in mourning. The former Pistol played a pivotal role in guiding Manu to her historic double bronze medal feat at the Paris Olympics.Speaking about the profound impact the decorated shooter had on his daughter, Ram Kishan described Rana as a strict taskmaster who always demanded the highest standards.“Jaspal Rana’s biggest contribution to Manu’s shooting career was inculcating discipline, focus, hard work and a results-oriented approach. He was a good coach. His coaching which he imparted to Manu was excellent. It is a great tragedy that he left the world in this way,” Kishan told PTI.

“Hard on the outside, soft on the inside”

Recalling Rana’s character, Manu’s father said the coach constantly pushed his members to improve and had complete confidence in their abilities.

“What he used to tell Manu was: Work hard and believe in yourself. Be confident in yourself. Have a fighting spirit. You can do it. You will do it,” he recalls.“He was a tough but kind-hearted manager. Tough on the outside and soft on the inside. He was a legendary shooter and a results-oriented coach. He used to scold constantly and get angry like a little kid if you didn’t listen to him. But Manu preferred a strict and disciplined life,” he added.

From controversies to the glory of Paris

He also highlighted the differences between Rana and Manu ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. According to Kishan, Rana wanted Manu to focus on just one event while she was keen to compete in the 10m air pistol and 25m air pistol categories.The dispute affected the girl mentally, and even led her to question whether she should continue in the sport.However, the two met again ahead of the Paris Olympics, with Rana backing Manu’s ambition to compete in both events.“Rana supported her and told her that she could do it. From that moment on, Manu’s form improved,” Kishan said.Reflecting on the lessons his daughter learned from her coach, he added: “What Manu realized is that if there is discipline, anything is possible. If you understand these things, everything else becomes easy.”