Maintaining scores is tougher than securing Olympic quota: Manu Bhaker

Manu Bhaker feels Olympic quota is only a "reassurance" that she remains what she was when she burst onto scene. For young pistol ace, maintaining scores on road to Tokyo is "tougher part".

17-year-old recently secured India its seventh 2020 Olympic quota in shooting with a fourth-place finish in women's 10m air pistol event of ISSF World Cup in Munich.

"I can't exactly say that I am relieved but difficult part surely lies ahead. I feel maintaining form and scores is tougher than securing a quota," Bhaker told PTI during an interaction.

As per its policy, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) picks team on basis of scores athletes shoot in selection trials and competitions, taking into account cumulative scores.

Bhaker showed exemplary spirit to earn quota, as it came barely two days after a pistol malfunction dashed her hopes in 25m air pistol in same tournament.

"Malfunction was destiny, couldn't have done much about that. I had to overcome that. I just tried to forget that and concentrated on my next event," Bhaker, a gold medallist at World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Youth Olympics, added.

She is happy to have added to India's quota in what she terms most difficult World Cup.

" competition is toughest in Munich with all top athletes from world competing for medals. That makes it more satisfying," she said.

International Shooting Sport Federation is headquartered in Munich and World Cup is one of most prestigious in ISSF's annual calendar. Bhaker said winning quota was t on her mind until official anuncement in final made her realise that she has finally done it after months of trying.

"Frankly speaking, I was t thinking about quota at all this time. thought only struck me when it was anunced that top five athletes remain," girl from Jhajjar, Haryana, said.

Bhaker, brand ambassador of daily hygiene product Pee Safe, said she will continue to shoot in both 10m and 25m events.

" aim is to maintain this position and n improve furr. I will focus in both. re will be major changes in my training regime."

Gold medals in ISSF World Cup in Mexico and Gold Coast Commonwealth Games last year were followed by Bhaker becoming first Indian girl to win a medal in Youth Olympics. Expectations soared but Bhaker remained grounded.

"Pressure will always be re, my job is to t get bogged down by pressure. I do my meditation, yoga and y help me control my mind better," she signed off.