'Jaspalji was like a father figure to her...': Manu Bhaker's father Ramkishen

(From left) Manu Bhaker with coach Jaspal Rana. Pic/By Special Arrangement

India's two-time Olympic medal-winning shooter Manu Bhaker's father Ramkishen told mid-day on Friday that his daughter is shattered at the passing of her coach Jaspal Rana, 49. The multiple Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medal-winning shooter-turned-coach passed away in New Delhi on Friday after a cardiac emergency.

Manu Bhaker breaks down while paying respects to her coach Jaspal Rana in Dehradun. Pic/PTI

Ramkishen, currently in America on work, called up Manu, who is at the National camp in Dehradun, but could hardly speak to her as she was distraught. "Manu is shattered. I called her up this morning [Friday] and she just kept repeating one word, ‘unbelievable, unbelievable.' She was extremely emotional and said, ‘Papa, I'm very upset. Please let me be.' I tried consoling her, but couldn't," Ramkishen told mid-day over the phone.

Ramkishen Bhaker

"Today is a sad day for Indian shooting. Jaspalji was like a father figure to Manu. He would shout at her, correct her, but at the same time also laugh with her. They shared a very special relationship. He had great technical knowledge and was always open to sharing it. He constantly stressed on the importance of discipline Manu's double medals in Paris are an outcome of all the hard work and discipline that she and Jaspalji put in," added Ramkishen.

Interestingly, Rana had a totally different relationship with Manu's parents. When asked if he was a close family friend, Ramkishen replied: "Not really. For us, he was Manu's coach, and a thorough professional at that."