Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and Paris 2024 bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat graced the set of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) 16 recently.

The duo, who shared three bronze medals among themselves out of the Indian contingent’s total haul of six at Paris 2024, delved into some intriguing aspects of their respective disciplines when quizzed by Bollywood superstar and KBC host Amitabh Bachchan.

The Bollywood superstar also recalled a time when he discussed one of the aspects of the shooting discipline, which sees the shooters taking gaps before taking a shot, with his son Abhishek Bachchan who is a sports enthusiast and has invested heavily in franchises across multiple sports.

“I used to wonder why shooters waited so long after taking a shot. I couldn’t grasp it until Abhishek Bachchan explained that they’re controlling their breathing and heart rate; that’s why they take their time,” the KBC host said.

To which, Bhaker responded saying, “At the start, having a strong foundation is crucial, and that applies to everything. Many people think shooting is simple — just pick up the pistol and aim, but it’s much more complex than that. During a match, our heart rate accelerates, and we must remain composed, even if we’re feeling anxious.

“Controlling that anxiousness or nervousness takes time and practice. To maintain focus, I rely heavily on yoga, Surya Namaskar, and meditation. I follow this routine with strict discipline. Additionally, I use a breathing technique with a 4:8 ratio: inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for eight seconds. Mastering this through practice helps normalise my heart rate. During matches, when nerves make our hands shake while aiming, this breathing exercise helps me stay calm and focused,” she added.

Bhaker had clinched a bronze medal each in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol and Mixed Team Air Pistol events while Sehrawat bagged the third spot on the podium in the Men’s Freestlye Wrestling 57kg event.