Hangzhou, 27 July (H.S.): Indian shooters Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker delivered outstanding performances at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun 2026, securing a double podium finish for India in the women’s 25-metre pistol event. Esha Singh won the gold medal, while two-time Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker added another achievement to her illustrious career by claiming the bronze medal.

In the final, Esha Singh displayed exceptional shooting skills to clinch the gold medal with 40 hits. Meanwhile, Manu Bhaker produced a strong performance in a highly competitive contest, winning the shoot-off to qualify for the final stage and eventually securing the bronze medal with 28 hits.

The Indian shooters had dominated the qualification round as well. Manu Bhaker topped the standings with an impressive score of 586-20x, while Esha Singh finished second with 585-18x. Both athletes comfortably qualified for the eight-shooter final. Former Asian Games gold medallist Rahi Sarnobat recorded a score of 582-16x. In the Ranking Points Only (RPO) category, Simranpreet Kaur Brar scored 576-20x, while Abhidnya Ashok Patil registered 573-16x.

After winning the gold medal, Esha Singh said that the mental pressure was considerably high after her world-record gold medal-winning performance at the Munich World Cup, but she successfully overcame the challenge. She added that Hangzhou has always held a special place for her as she won four medals at the Asian Games held here, and her familiarity with the shooting range proved beneficial.

Manu Bhaker said the bronze medal was extremely significant for her as it helped her understand that her preparations were progressing in the right direction. She added that the experience gained from this competition would be highly valuable for major upcoming events such as the World Championships and the Asian Games.

It is worth mentioning that 21-year-old Esha Singh had earlier won gold at the ISSF World Cup in Munich this year, setting senior and junior world records with 43 hits in the final. Meanwhile, Manu Bhaker created history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by winning two medals and becoming the first athlete from independent India to secure two medals in a single Olympic Games.

With their impressive performances at the Hangzhou World Cup, both Indian shooters have further strengthened India’s medal campaign on the international stage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar