Indian shooters Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker achieved a remarkable feat at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China. Esha secured the gold medal, while Manu claimed the bronze in the women’s 25m pistol event. Esha displayed a strong performance with 40 hits in the final, while Manu fought through tough competition to finish with 28 hits.
The duo’s success was built on exceptional performances in the qualification round. Manu topped the standings with 586-20x, closely followed by Esha with 585-18x, both smoothly advancing to the medal round. Despite a strong effort, former Asian Games gold medalist Rahi Sarnobat missed the final by a narrow margin after scoring 582-16x. Simranpreet Kaur Brar (576-20x) and Abhidnya Ashok Patil (573-16x) competed under Ranking Points Only (RPO) status.
Reflecting on her victory, Esha acknowledged the pressure that came with her previous success at the ISSF World Cup in Munich. She expressed gratitude for overcoming the challenge and highlighted her comfort competing in Hangzhou, drawing on her past success at the Asian Games. Esha, a 21-year-old from Hyderabad, continues to make waves in the world of pistol shooting.
Manu emphasized the significance of her bronze medal as a stepping stone towards upcoming major events. She noted that the medal boosts her confidence and provides clarity on her progress. Looking ahead to competitions like the World Championships and Asian Games, Manu values the experience gained from the competitive match in Hangzhou.
The gold and bronze medals further solidify Esha and Manu’s positions in the shooting world. Esha, a Paris 2024 Olympian and Arjuna Awardee, has been on a rapid ascent, setting world records earlier this year. Manu’s consistent performances on the global stage, including her historic achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics, underline her prowess as a top athlete.
