India recorded a memorable double podium finish at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China, as Esha Singh clinched gold and Manu Bhaker secured bronze in the women’s 25m pistol event. Esha produced a commanding performance, leading the final from the opening series before finishing with 40 hits to win gold ahead of China’s Zhang Yueyue, while Manu fought back from a tense elimination phase to claim bronze after surviving a shoot-off.
The victory gave India its first gold medal of the Hangzhou World Cup and highlighted the country’s growing strength in women’s pistol shooting. Congratulating both athletes, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya described their achievement as a proud moment for Indian sport, saying their performances reflected the dedication and excellence of the nation’s shooters.
Esha Leads From the Front as India Secures a Double Podium
The women’s 25m pistol final showcased two contrasting but equally impressive performances from India’s leading shooters. Esha Singh qualified strongly and took control of the final almost immediately, maintaining her lead throughout before sealing gold with 40 hits. Her consistency left little room for her competitors to close the gap, with Zhang Yueyue finishing second to claim silver.
Manu Bhaker’s path to the podium was more dramatic. Having topped the qualification round, she encountered a challenging elimination phase but held her nerve when it mattered most. A successful shoot-off kept her medal hopes alive before she eventually secured bronze, ensuring two Indian shooters shared the podium. The result marked one of India’s standout performances of the Hangzhou World Cup and reinforced the country’s reputation as one of the strongest nations in international pistol shooting.
Esha Singh’s Rapid Rise to the World Stage
At just 21 years old, Esha Singh has emerged as one of India’s brightest shooting talents. The Hyderabad shooter has built an impressive record across international competitions through her calm temperament and technical precision. Earlier this year, she created history at the ISSF World Cup in Munich by setting a new senior and junior world record of 43 hits in the women’s 25m pistol final. That achievement established her among the leading competitors in the discipline and demonstrated her ability to deliver under pressure.
Her résumé also includes medals at the Asian Games, ISSF World Championships and multiple ISSF World Cup competitions. The Hangzhou gold is another significant milestone in a career that continues to gather momentum and strengthens her credentials ahead of future World Championships and the next Olympic cycle. Rather than being a breakthrough moment, this victory reflects the steady progress she has made through consistent performances on the international circuit.
India's Double Strike at the ISSF World Cup 🇮🇳
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 27, 2026
Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker made a marvellous display of their talent by winning the gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the Women's 25 m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2026. Their resolute determination and unmistakable… pic.twitter.com/qtBhVrlUzQ
Manu Bhaker Continues an Extraordinary Journey
Manu Bhaker’s bronze medal adds another chapter to one of the most successful careers in Indian shooting. Since bursting onto the international scene as a teenager, she has consistently been among the country’s most dependable performers. Her place in Indian sporting history was firmly established at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she became the first Indian athlete to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympics.
Beyond Olympic success, Manu has won medals at the Commonwealth Games, Asian competitions and numerous ISSF events. She has also demonstrated remarkable resilience by returning strongly from setbacks during her career. In Hangzhou, that fighting spirit was evident once again. Despite facing pressure during the elimination stages, she stayed composed to earn another international podium finish, reaffirming her status as one of India’s most accomplished shooters and an important mentor figure within the national squad.
India’s Shooting Depth Continues to Grow
The Hangzhou result is significant not only because of the medals but also because it reflects the depth India has developed in shooting. For years, Indian success often depended on a handful of standout athletes. Today, multiple shooters are consistently challenging for medals across international competitions, creating healthy competition within the national team and strengthening India’s prospects at future World Cups, World Championships and Olympic events.
Esha Singh’s emergence alongside an established champion like Manu Bhaker demonstrates how experience and youth are complementing each other within Indian shooting. The double podium also boosted India’s campaign at the Hangzhou World Cup and served as another reminder that Indian shooters remain regular contenders on the global stage.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India’s double podium in Hangzhou is a celebration of perseverance, discipline and sustained investment in sporting talent. Esha Singh’s rise and Manu Bhaker’s continued success show how long-term support, quality coaching and opportunities at every stage of an athlete’s journey can translate into consistent international performances. Beyond the medals, their achievement offers an inspiring example for young sportspersons across the country, proving that excellence is built through dedication, resilience and continuous learning.
As India looks ahead to future global championships and the next Olympic cycle, these performances offer confidence that the country’s next generation of athletes is ready to compete with the very best. What more can India do to ensure talented young athletes from every corner of the country have the opportunity to reach the world stage?
