Industry Odisha Bureau, Sept 19: Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker has urged Indian athletes to look beyond organisational challenges at the Asian Games and focus on giving their best in competition.
The Asian games began in Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya on Saturday amid complaints over accommodation, transportation and travel arrangements. Indian athletes and officials have reported difficulties, including long journeys to training venues.
In a video message shared by the Indian Olympic Association, Manu Bhaker acknowledged the issues but asked athletes to focus on the opportunity before them.
She said, “Regardless of whatever the issues we have, this is probably once in a lifetime opportunity and experience. We have to make sure that we enjoy the time rather than complaining.”
Bhaker added that the athletes had prepared extensively and should not waste energy highlighting problems.
“Medals may come or not, that is another story, but we must give our best,” she said.
The 24-year old shooter is one India’s flag-bearers at the Games. She won two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics in 2024. With this, she became the first athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single Olympic Games edition.
Notably, Bhaker will compete in the women’s 10m air pistol, women’s 25m pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team at Aichi Nagoya.
Recalling her debut at the 2018 Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia, Bhaker said she felt proud and honoured to be selected as a flag bearer for the 2026 edition.
