Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker Shine at ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou
Indian Shooters Excel in Women's 25m Pistol Event
Hangzhou [China], July 27: In a remarkable display of skill, Indian shooters Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker achieved a stunning double podium finish in the Women's 25m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun held in Hangzhou, China. Esha clinched the gold medal, while Manu secured bronze, further enhancing India's impressive performance at the tournament.
Esha showcased her prowess in the final, hitting 40 targets to claim the top spot, while Manu, a double Olympic medalist from Paris 2024, navigated a fiercely competitive environment, winning a critical shoot-off and finishing with 28 hits to earn her bronze, as reported by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).
The Indian team set a strong precedent during the qualification round, with Manu leading the pack by scoring an impressive 586-20x, followed closely by Esha with 585-18x, both advancing comfortably to the final. Former Asian Games gold medalist Rahi Sarnobat scored 582-16x, while Simranpreet Kaur Brar (576-20x) and Abhidnya Ashok Patil (573-16x) also delivered commendable performances under Ranking Points Only (RPO) status.
Reflecting on the mental challenges she faced after her record-setting gold in Munich earlier this season, Esha Singh remarked, “This match was quite pressure-filled for me due to my previous medal. The more you excel, the heavier the expectations become. I’m pleased to have overcome that today and grateful for my resilience.”
She added, “I truly enjoy competing here in Hangzhou. Remembering my success during the Asian Games, where I won four medals, I was eager to return. Being familiar with the range, lighting, and atmosphere in the final hall certainly worked to my advantage.”
After the match, Manu Bhaker discussed her performance and the momentum it builds for the future, stating, “This medal is significant as it serves as a stepping stone. It clarifies what strategies are effective and the path I wish to pursue. While the medal boosts my confidence, the experience gained from this competitive match will be invaluable as we prepare for major events like the World Championships and Asian Games.”
The gold medal marks another significant milestone for 21-year-old Esha Singh from Hyderabad. Earlier this season at the ISSF World Cup in Munich, she made history by setting both senior and junior world records with 43 hits in the final. As a Paris 2024 Olympian and Arjuna Awardee, Esha is solidifying her status among the world's elite shooters.
For Manu Bhaker, the bronze medal underscores her consistent performance on the international stage, following her groundbreaking achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she became the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single edition of the Games.