Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday, 27 July 2026 congratulated Indian shooters Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker after the pair delivered a double podium finish for India in the Women's 25 m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2026, with Singh claiming gold and Bhaker bronze.

What Happened

Esha Singh won the gold medal and Manu Bhaker claimed the bronze medal in the Women's 25 m Pistol discipline at the ongoing ISSF World Cup 2026. The twin finish placed India on the podium twice in a single event, underlining the depth of the country's pistol-shooting programme at the senior international level.

Shah, posting on X, described the performance as 'a marvellous display of their talent' and praised the duo's 'resolute determination and unmistakable precision, even under immense pressure.' He called their showing a reflection of 'the indomitable spirit of India.'

Context

Manu Bhaker is one of India's most decorated active shooters, having represented the country since the 2018 Youth Olympics and accumulated medals across ISSF World Cup stages and multi-sport Games. Esha Singh is among the younger generation of Indian pistol shooters who have broken into senior international competition in recent years.

The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) organises a series of World Cup stages each year across multiple disciplines, serving as key qualification and ranking events for the Olympic cycle. Results at these stages directly influence athlete selection for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Policy Backdrop

India's improved showing at international shooting events over the past decade is closely linked to sustained public investment in athlete development. The Khelo India programme, launched in 2017, has been a central plank of the government's effort to identify grassroots talent and support elite athletes — including shooters — through structured training pipelines and financial backing.

Ministerial acknowledgement of individual medal wins on social media has become a consistent feature of India's sports communication strategy, reinforcing a broader push to elevate shooting as a mainstream competitive discipline and inspire younger athletes.

Stakeholders and Impact

The double podium is significant for Indian shooting as a sport: it demonstrates that the country can field competitive athletes across age groups in the same event. For Esha Singh, a gold at this level consolidates her standing as a frontline contender for future Olympic selection. For Manu Bhaker, the bronze adds to an already substantial international record and keeps her firmly in contention for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics cycle.

Aspiring young shooters and sporting academies across India are likely to draw motivation from the high-profile recognition the achievement has received, including from a senior Union Cabinet minister.

What's Next

Attention will now turn to the remaining stages of the 2026 ISSF World Cup series and forthcoming national selection trials, which will shape India's shooting squad for the lead-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Both Singh and Bhaker will be expected to maintain their form as competition for Olympic berths intensifies over the coming months.