The 21-year-old shooting sensation delivers a masterclass in the 25m pistol event, while Manu Bhaker secures bronze in a thrilling double-podium finish for India.
HANGZHOU, CHINA — Hyderabad has another reason to celebrate on the global stage.
In a staggering demonstration of precision, calm, and world-class skill, Esha Singh clinched the gold medal in the Women’s 25m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup (Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun) in Hangzhou. Competing against the world’s elite markswomen, the 21-year-old Hyderabad shooter took an early lead in the final and never looked back, putting together a commanding performance to finish on top of the podium.
Adding to India’s joy, double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker earned a hard-fought bronze medal, turning the event into a glorious double-podium day for the Indian contingent.
Dominance from Qualification to Final
The tone for India’s success was set early in the qualification round, where both shooters proved to be in a league of their own. Manu Bhaker topped the qualifying standings with an impressive score of 586-20x, while Esha trailed by just a single point in second place with 585-18x.
When it came time for the high-pressure 8-shooter final, Esha’s composure under fire was unmatched.
- Flawless Start: Esha opened the final round with a perfect 5 hits in her opening series.
- Building the Lead: She maintained relentless momentum throughout the elimination stages, holding off home-favorite Zhang Yueyue of China.
- The Winning Score: Esha sealed her victory with a final total of 40 hits, finishing three points clear of Zhang’s 37 for silver.
Manu Bhaker battled through a tense, highly competitive field and a nail-biting shoot-off before locking in the bronze medal with 28 hits.
“Familiarity and Focus” — Esha Reflects on Hangzhou Victory
The shooting range in Hangzhou has increasingly become a fortress for Esha Singh. At the 2023 Asian Games, she brought home four medals from the very same venue, including gold in the 25m pistol team event.
Speaking after her gold medal run, Esha shared what the win meant to her:
“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. Recalling how the competition went during the Asian Games… being familiar with the range, the lighting, and the atmosphere in the final hall definitely counted in my favour.”
Another Feather in the Cap for Hyderabad’s Golden Girl
Esha’s triumph in Hangzhou continues a magnificent year for the young shooter. Earlier this season, she broke the world record in the 25m pistol event on her way to gold at the Munich World Cup.
Her latest victory in Hangzhou reinforces her status as one of India’s brightest sports icons and a powerful symbol of Hyderabad’s rising sporting prowess. With major international assignments like the upcoming World Championships on the horizon, Esha Singh’s aim remains as sharp as ever.
