India enjoyed another memorable day at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou as Esha Singh clinched the gold medal in the women’s 25m pistol event, while Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker secured bronze to complete a double podium finish for the country.

The 21-year-old shooter produced an impressive performance in the final, finishing with 40 hits to take the top spot. Manu, who faced stiff competition throughout the medal round, held her nerve in a crucial shoot-off before ending the event with 28 hits to claim the bronze medal. The result added another successful chapter to India’s campaign at the Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun World Cup.

Manu Bhaker and Esha Singh dominate qualification

The Indian shooters had already laid the foundation with an outstanding display in qualification. Manu topped the standings with a score of 586-20x, while Esha followed closely in second place with 585-18x. Their scores comfortably secured places in the eight-shooter final.

Former Asian Games champion Rahi Sarnobat also impressed with 582-16x. Competing under Ranking Points Only (RPO) status, Simranpreet Kaur Brar registered 576-20x, while Abhidnya Ashok Patil finished with 573-16x.

Esha Singh reflects on handling pressure

After winning gold, Esha admitted that expectations following her earlier success this season had made the competition mentally demanding.

“This match was very pressure-riding for me because of the previous medal I had. The better you get in your event, the more you feel that weight of prestige you have to conquer. I’m happy that I was able to get past it today and grateful that I had the ability to endure it,” Esha said. 

“I really love competing here in Hangzhou. Recalling how the competition went during the Asian Games, where I won four medals, I was really excited to come back. Being familiar with the range, the lighting, and the atmosphere in the final hall definitely counted in my favour,” she added.

Her latest victory adds to an impressive season for the Hyderabad shooter. Earlier this year, Esha created history at the ISSF World Cup in Munich by setting both the senior and junior world records with 43 hits in the final.

Manu Bhaker sees bronze as an important step forward

Although she missed out on gold, Manu described the bronze medal as an important result in her preparations for the major tournaments ahead.

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“This medal is very important because it acts as a stepping stone. It gives me clarity on what is working and the direction I want to head in. While the medal surely boosts my confidence, the experience I gained from this competitive match will help even more as we look ahead to major assignments like the World Championships and Asian Games,” Manu said.

Manu Bhaker
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Manu Bhaker | X [ANI]

The Paris 2024 double Olympic medallist once again demonstrated her consistency by returning to the podium in a high-quality international field.

Sports Minister congratulates Indian shooters

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised both shooters after India’s successful outing in Hangzhou.

“Congratulations to Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker on winning Gold and Bronze in the women’s 25m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou. The entire nation is proud of you both!” said Mandaviya.

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With Esha Singh winning gold and Manu Bhaker adding bronze, India celebrated another strong performance on the ISSF World Cup stage. The result highlighted the country’s growing strength in pistol shooting and provided valuable momentum ahead of the World Championships and the Asian Games.

FAQs

Who won the women’s 25m pistol gold at the ISSF World Cup?

Esha Singh won the gold medal with 40 hits in the final at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou.

Which medal did Manu Bhaker win in Hangzhou?

Manu Bhaker secured the bronze medal in the women’s 25m pistol event after winning a crucial shoot-off in the final.