Manu Bhaker’s Coach Jaspal Rana Defends PT Usha Against IOA Criticism

The 2024 Paris Olympics were historic for India, with shooter Manu Bhaker becoming the first Indian athlete post-independence to win two medals in a single Olympics. But behind this success story is an unexpected controversy involving the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and its president, the legendary PT Usha. Jaspal Rana, Manu Bhaker’s coach, has come forward in defense of PT Usha amidst criticism from IOA officials, asserting that she played a pivotal role in the young shooter's triumph.

In an exclusive interview, Jaspal Rana credited PT Usha for her unwavering support, which he says was crucial in securing Manu’s twin bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events. But this conversation goes beyond the Olympics, touching on India’s sports system, athlete development, and the importance of supporting sports leadership.

PT Usha’s Role in Manu Bhaker’s Success:

Manu Bhaker’s bronze medals in Paris weren’t just a personal achievement but a reflection of a well-coordinated support system that PT Usha helped facilitate, according to Jaspal Rana. "I give the credit for these two medals to PT Usha. She's the one who fought and gave me all the support despite whatever problems we had," said Rana.

Rana highlighted how PT Usha’s involvement, even with the challenges she faced from critics within the IOA, was instrumental in enabling Bhaker to perform at her best. He defended Usha against allegations that she had bypassed certain provisions in her role at the IOA, pointing out that the criticism seemed more about targeting her than about any genuine issues. "Why do people get stuck in a position and not want to come out? Let her do whatever she's doing," he questioned, emphasizing the need for unity and support in Indian sports.

A Call for Systematic Athlete Development:

Rana also spoke about the broader issues within Indian sports, particularly the lack of a consistent system to develop athletes. His frustration with the existing approach was evident as he emphasized the need for long-term planning rather than relying on occasional successes. "We need a system; we don't need miracles to happen at every Olympics. We need a system where we can create 30-40 shooters who can deliver medals," said Rana.

He expressed concerns about the ongoing internal conflicts within the IOA, which he believes are hindering progress. According to him, these issues prevent the kind of coordinated effort needed to help Indian athletes consistently win medals on the global stage.

PT Usha’s Leadership Under Fire:

The criticism leveled against PT Usha within the IOA has sparked discussions about her leadership and the role she plays in Indian sports administration. However, Rana believes that rather than pulling her down, stakeholders should support her vision for Indian sports. He acknowledged her efforts to reform and strengthen the system, adding, "You just want to target her for just one and a half years. Give her a chance; be a support to her rather than pulling her down."

This support, Rana says, is crucial not only for PT Usha but for the future of Indian sports. Without a cohesive system, he worries that India's success at the Olympics will continue to rely on individual miracles rather than a collective, sustainable effort.

Looking to the Future: The 2036 Olympics:

The conversation also touched on India's bid for the 2036 Olympics, a vision that Rana supports. However, he emphasized that simply hosting the Games is not enough; India must build the infrastructure and systems necessary to win medals. "We are very close to winning gold medals. Athletes need support and should feel that the entire system is behind them," said Rana. He believes that with the right support system, India can produce a new generation of athletes who are capable of competing and succeeding at the highest levels.

Rana’s vision extends beyond his role as a coach. While there have been speculations about his potential return to Indian shooting in an official coaching capacity, Rana clarified that he has not received any formal communication from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). However, he expressed his willingness to contribute to Indian sports in any capacity, stating, "If required, I will do anything and everything."

Conclusion:

Jaspal Rana’s defense of PT Usha is a reminder of the complexities involved in sports leadership and athlete development in India. While the Olympic medals won by athletes like Manu Bhaker are a source of national pride, they also highlight the need for a more robust, unified support system. PT Usha’s leadership, despite the challenges and criticism she faces, represents an effort to bring about that change. As India looks ahead to the 2036 Olympics and beyond, the lessons from Paris 2024 may serve as a blueprint for building a future where Indian athletes consistently shine on the global stage.

Reference From: sports.ndtv.com