Coach's Dress Code Violation Forces Spectator Seat During Manu Bhaker's Silver Medal Performance
In a surprising turn of events at the shooting competition, national coach Jaspal Rana was compelled to watch from the spectator's gallery as his protege Manu Bhaker competed in the women's 25m pistol match on Monday. This unusual seating arrangement was not by choice but enforced due to a strict dress code violation that barred Rana from his designated position in the Field of Play.
Brown Trousers Trigger International Rule Enforcement
The incident unfolded when Iranian international jury member Haniyeh Khandani identified Rana's attire as non-compliant with International Shooting Sports Federation regulations. "The coach was wearing brown trousers, which is prohibited as this color is reserved for military staff," explained Khandani. "Consequently, he was asked to leave the Field of Play immediately."
This enforcement meant that national assistant coach Wazir Singh Rathi had to assume coaching duties within the FOP during Bhaker's crucial performance, while Rana observed from the stands.
Manu Bhaker Secures Silver Amidst Coaching Disruption
Despite the unexpected coaching arrangement disruption, Manu Bhaker demonstrated remarkable composure to secure a silver medal in a nail-biting final that featured two intense shootoffs. The young shooter maintained her focus throughout the competition, ultimately delivering an impressive performance that earned her a podium finish.
Remarkably, Rana downplayed the significance of his enforced absence from the competition area. "The jury determined it was a code violation, so she requested I sit out," Rana told reporters. "This didn't alter the outcome. I don't believe my presence in the FOP was essential for Manu's performance."
Junior Anjali Bhagwat Claims Bronze in Namesake Debut
In a parallel development that created momentary confusion, the announcement of Anjali Bhagwat winning bronze in the junior women's 25m pistol event initially suggested a remarkable comeback by the veteran Olympian rifle shooter. However, this achievement belonged to a different athlete entirely—a junior shooter from Nashik who shares the legendary shooter's name.
The younger Anjali revealed that her father intentionally named her after the celebrated rifle shooter. "Our family surname was already Bhagwat, so my father decided to name me Anjali after Anjali ma'am," the junior shooter explained. "He followed shooting closely, and eventually I developed a passion for the sport as well."
This bronze medal represents the junior shooter's first international achievement, marking a significant milestone in her developing career while paying homage to her namesake's legacy in Indian shooting sports.
