Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda on Monday, 27 July 2026 congratulated Indian shooters Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker after their podium finishes in the Women's 25m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2026, calling it a 'glorious moment for India.'

Context

Esha Singh clinched the Gold Medal while Manu Bhaker secured the Bronze Medal in the Women's 25m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2026. Nadda, posting on X, described the achievement as bringing 'immense pride to the nation' and praised both athletes for their 'unwavering dedication, exceptional skill, and relentless perseverance.'

The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) governs the World Cup series, which serves as a premier competitive circuit for elite shooters and a key qualification pathway ahead of the Olympic Games.

Policy Backdrop

India's shooting contingent has recorded consistent gains in Olympic and World Cup competitions over the past decade, underpinned by expanded training infrastructure and greater international exposure. The government's Khelo India initiative, launched in 2017, has been central to identifying and nurturing talent at both grassroots and elite levels.

Manu Bhaker is among the most decorated active Indian shooters, having won two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics in pistol events — a landmark result that elevated the profile of shooting in India. Esha Singh has established herself as a formidable presence in senior and junior international circuits in the pistol discipline.

Stakeholders and Impact

Nadda specifically highlighted the inspirational value of the medals for 'young athletes,' reflecting a broader government emphasis on using elite sporting results to motivate the next generation. Ministerial recognition via social media has become a standard channel for amplifying such achievements to a national audience.

The double podium in a single event underscores the depth emerging in Indian women's shooting, a discipline that has seen sustained investment following successive Olympic cycles. Both athletes represent different generational cohorts of Indian shooting, with Bhaker as the established star and Singh as a rising force.

What's Next

Indian shooters will continue to compete across the remaining stages of the 2026 ISSF World Cup series, with performances feeding into the qualification standings for the 2028 Olympic Games. The momentum from this result is expected to intensify focus on the pistol events as selectors and coaches assess the squad's readiness for the next Olympic cycle.