Manu Bhaker Honors Late Coach at Asian Games Opening

Manu Bhaker carried India's flag into the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, but her thoughts were with the man who helped her reach the top.

The Olympic bronze medalist said she deeply missed her late coach Jaspal Rana during the emotional ceremony. "Missed Jaspal sir a lot today," Bhaker shared after the parade. "It was indeed an emotional day without his presence by my side."

Rana passed away in June at just 49 years old after a brief illness. He had undergone a heart procedure at a Delhi hospital a week before his death, returning from the shooting World Cup in Munich.

His impact on Indian shooting extended far beyond medals. Rana shaped an entire generation of athletes, helping transform India into a shooting powerhouse on the world stage.

Bhaker's story shows the depth of that influence. When her career hit a rough patch, Rana helped rebuild her confidence and technique before the Paris Olympics, where she made history as India's first athlete to win two medals at a single Olympic Games.

Now 24, Bhaker is using this tournament to honor his legacy. She already has team gold from the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou but missed out on individual medals she's determined to capture this time.

Why This Inspires

Despite dealing with grief and facing logistical problems at the Games, Bhaker showed true leadership. She encouraged her fellow Indian athletes to focus on the opportunity ahead rather than the obstacles. "This is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and experience," she said in a video message. "We have to make sure that we enjoy the time rather than complaining."

Her message reflects what Rana taught her: resilience, perspective, and finding strength when it matters most. As she competes in Nagoya, she's proving that the greatest tribute to a mentor is carrying forward their lessons and lifting others along the way.