Double Olympic Pistol Shooter Medallist Manu Bhaker

 The struggles, I faced early in my career have helped to Develop Patience and Resilience.

Double Olympic medallist pistol shooter Manu Bhaker has said that she faced early struggles in her career that have helped her develop patience and resilience. Bhaker, 22, created history at the Paris Games by becoming the first Indian in the post-Independence era to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics. The star shooter is least bothered about her critics and is focused on her career. Bhaker, who took a break from shooting after the Paris Olympics, is now pursuing a Master's in Public Administration from Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Double Olympic Pistol Shooter Medallist Manu Bhaker

"I am really happy that I have already seen the downfall phase, it has taught me a lot of patience. It doesn't really bother me, what people say on social media. Honestly, I don't need to cope with that, why would I need to do that? "My business is my sport, I only need to focus on that," Bhaker told PTI videos in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of DAV United Sports Conclave on Saturday.

"I want to thank people who have been there for me throughout my journey. They have made sure that I am always ready mentally and physically. "I am also thankful to people who appreciate me, think and talk about my journey, and are keen to ask me about that. People who hate I don't think I really care about them," she added.

She said the break is just a pause that allows her to reset her goals while still preparing for future competitions.

Jaspal Rana and Manu Bhakar

"We (Jaspal Rana and me) are in touch and it is not a complete break. So it is a break only from shooting and is not a break where you can do whatever you want to do in life.

We plan strategies for future things to focus on for future competitions and camps, and what strategies we have to follow. During my exams, he made sure that nothing else was in my head. At that time he wanted me to completely focus on my studies", she said.

Bhaker said she hasn't compromised on her fitness during the break. "I keep a proper check on my fitness regularly. During my exams, I couldn't because I had requested a special chance to appear in examinations. I had like two exams back to back and this phase was very hectic. But on and off I have been trying to follow my fitness drills," she said.

Bhaker, who was felicitated by the DAV United Foundation for her exemplary performance at the Paris Olympics, thanked the organisers for their support.

"DAV has been like a family to me, especially Amrinder Mann sir, if it wasn't for him then I wouldn't have been a part of the DAV family. He was adamant that I should join DAV and I am glad that I did it because not only my friends from shooting but I met new people here," she concluded.