Coaching Controversies: Jaspal Rana Slams Ever-Changing Olympic Selection Policy in Shooting

Double Olympic-medallist shooter Manu Bhaker's coach Jaspal Rana has criticized the national federation's inconsistent Olympic selection policy, arguing it harms promising talents. Rana, a shooting legend himself, claims that last-minute policy changes and neglecting personal coaches at national camps adversely affect shooters' performances and careers.

Double Olympic-medallist shooter Manu Bhaker's coach Jaspal Rana has slammed the national federation's 'ever-changing' Olympic selection policy, stating it has hurt some of the most promising talents in the past and will damage more youngsters if there is no consistency going forward.

Rana, who won three Asiad gold medals in the 2006 edition, questioned the federation's tendency to make last-minute changes and its refusal to acknowledge shooters' personal coaches at national camps and trials. He voiced these concerns during a visit to PTI headquarters with Bhaker, who won bronze medals in 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team, for an interaction with its editors on Friday.

'The (federation's) selection policy changes every six months. I met the sports minister and told him 'get the selection policy from the federation. Let them decide... whatever they decide, right or wrong, we are not discussing that, and then stick to it'. You will see the difference (in the performance of shooters),' said the decorated marksman.

Rana lamented the system's failures, citing examples such as Saurabh Chaudhary and Jitu Rai. He emphasized the need for a protective mechanism for Olympic and world medallists, noting Bhaker's upcoming challenges to secure her place in the national squad despite her recent successes.

(With inputs from agencies.)