Very hopeful of Olympics taking place next year, maintaining my game and doing well: Manu Bhaker

Indian pistol ace Manu Bhaker is "very hopeful" of the Olympics taking place next year and maintaining her terrific game and poise too until then, despite the uncertainty gnawing at the world of sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A medallist at ISSF World Cup, Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympics, Bhaker was primed for success at sport's grandest and biggest stage in Tokyo later this year, but the unprecedented health crisis intervened and forced a postponement of the Games by a year.

With the world still far away from bringing the situation under control, there are doubts if the Games would be held even next year.

"Yes, the Indian shooters were in great form heading into the Games, but health is a bigger concern," Bhaker told PTI.

"I am very hopeful of the Olympics taking place next year and also confident of maintaining my game and hitting peak form there. This is a difficult time for the world but I have no negative thoughts and I am mentally prepared."
"Since I feel there is unlikely to be any outdoor action and competitions for another three-four months, I thought it will be useful to get this installed at this point in time."