Hangzhou, China | India enjoyed a memorable day at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Hangzhou, as Esha Singh captured the gold medal in the women’s 25m pistol event, while Paris Olympic bronze medallist Manu Bhaker secured the bronze medal, giving India an impressive double podium finish.
The outstanding performances highlighted India’s growing strength in international shooting, with both athletes displaying exceptional composure under pressure in a highly competitive final.
Esha Singh Triumphs Under Pressure
Competing in an eight-woman final, Esha Singh remained calm and focused throughout the contest, registering 40 successful hits to clinch the gold medal.
Following her victory, Esha admitted that expectations had been significantly higher after her record-breaking performance at the ISSF World Cup in Munich earlier this season.
“This match carried a lot of pressure because of my previous medal. The better you become in your event, the greater the expectations you must overcome. I’m happy that I managed to handle the pressure and win today,” Esha said.
She also credited her familiarity with the venue for boosting her confidence.
“I really enjoy competing in Hangzhou. Winning four medals here during the Asian Games gave me confidence. Knowing the range, lighting, and atmosphere definitely helped me.”
Manu Bhaker Adds Another International Medal
Manu Bhaker demonstrated remarkable resilience during the final, surviving a crucial shoot-off before finishing with 28 hits to claim the bronze medal.
The Olympic medallist described the podium finish as an important milestone in her preparation for upcoming international competitions.
“This medal is a stepping stone for me. It helps me understand what is working and where I need to improve. The confidence is valuable, but the experience gained from such a competitive match will be even more beneficial for the World Championships and Asian Games,” Manu said.
Strong Qualification Performance
India’s success began during the qualification round, where both shooters dominated the standings.
- Manu Bhaker topped qualification with 586-20x.
- Esha Singh finished second with 585-18x, comfortably securing her place in the final.
Meanwhile, former Asian Games champion Rahi Sarnobat narrowly missed qualifying for the medal round after scoring 582-16x.
Other Indian participants included:
- Simranpreet Kaur Brar – 576-20x (Ranking Points Only – RPO)
- Abhidnya Ashok Patil – 573-16x (Ranking Points Only – RPO)
International Reactions
The Indian shooters’ performances also drew praise from American observers following the competition.
Sarah Mitchell, an American sports journalist from Chicago, said India’s consistency in shooting is becoming impossible to ignore.
“India has developed one of the strongest shooting programs in the world. Seeing Esha Singh win gold and Manu Bhaker reach the podium again proves the country’s remarkable depth of talent.”
Meanwhile, David Thompson, an American Olympic shooting analyst based in Colorado Springs, praised the athletes’ composure during the final.
“The women’s 25m pistol final demanded extraordinary mental strength. Esha handled the pressure brilliantly, while Manu showed tremendous resilience after surviving a shoot-off. Their performances reflect world-class preparation.”
India Strengthens Its Global Shooting Reputation
The ISSF World Cup success reinforces India’s position as one of the world’s leading shooting nations, with experienced champions and emerging stars continuing to deliver on the international stage.
As preparations now shift toward the ISSF World Championships and the Asian Games, the performances of Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker have provided a significant confidence boost for the Indian contingent. Their medals in Hangzhou demonstrate that India remains a formidable force in world shooting, capable of competing for the highest honors on every major stage.
