Young Manu Bhaker handled the stage with aplomb as she launched a her first product as a brand ambassador in the Capital on Wednesday.
The 16-year-old Manu, who caught the imagination of the country’s youth by winning the Commonwealth Games gold recently in Gold Coast — after having accomplished the bigger tasks of winning the World Cup gold medals both at the senior and junior levels — was at ease in handling the media.
She launched Pee Safe, a sanitiser for toilet seats. Manu said that it was handy to use in aeroplanes, train journeys, hotels etc.
She said that there was not much difference to the sporting infrastructure in the country, especially at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, where most of the training is conducted, both in terms of quality of equipment as well as standard of hygiene.
Exposure needed
On questions related to her shooting, Manu said that it was important to have constant exposure to international competition, both at the junior and senior levels, so that she could keep getting better.
“It helps in dealing with pressure regularly,” said Manu, who will be competing in the World Cups, World Championship and Youth Olympics, thanks to her ability to get entry in both the junior and senior sections, despite severe competition.
Manu said that she was looking forward to the competition in Asian Games, which could be a lot different than the Commonwealth Games. “Nobody will bring the medals to you. You have to go and win them at every level. Asian Games will have different countries,” Manu said.
Manu held National junior coach Jaspal Rana, a stickler for discipline, in high esteem.
“He insists on discipline, punctuality, proper diet and good behaviour in our interaction with seniors. Basically, he wants perfection in everything we do,” said the young shooter.
Despite a dream start to her international career, with 15 medals, including 11 gold in the last National championship, Manu conceded that one cannot be winning all the time.
“The true character of the person comes out only when they get up from a fall,” she said.
The founders of the company Vikas Bagaria and Dheeraj Jain stressed the growing importance of avoiding urinary track infection. Manu added that she was carrying the spray in her bag, even before she signed her first contract.
Manu was clear that she would not be just the face of the brand, but convey the message for better health of the society.
