Shekhawat congratulates Esha Singh, Manu Bhaker on ISSF World Cup medals
Synopsis
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat congratulated pistol shooters Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker on winning gold and bronze respectively in the 25-metre women's pistol event at the ISSF World Cup, calling their achievement inspirational for India's next generation of athletes.
Key Takeaways
Esha Singh won the gold medal in the 25-metre women's pistol event at the ISSF World Cup .
Manu Bhaker claimed the bronze medal in the same event.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat publicly congratulated both athletes on 27 July 2026 .
Shekhawat credited their success to 'discipline, patience, and outstanding performance.' India's shooting programme is backed by the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) , launched in 2014 .
Both athletes' results strengthen India's standing on the ISSF World Cup circuit ahead of future qualification events.
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday, 27 July 2026 congratulated Indian pistol shooters Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker after the two athletes claimed gold and bronze medals respectively in the 25-metre women's pistol event at the ISSF World Cup.
Context
Shekhawat took to X to post his congratulations in Hindi, writing: 'भारत की निशानेबाज़ ईशा सिंह को ISSF विश्व कप की 25 मीटर महिला पिस्टल स्पर्धा में स्वर्ण पदक जीतने पर हार्दिक बधाई' ('Heartiest congratulations to India's shooter Esha Singh for winning the gold medal in the 25-metre women's pistol event at the ISSF World Cup'). He added warm wishes to Manu Bhaker for her bronze medal, noting that both athletes had 'strengthened the reputation of Indian shooting on the world stage through discipline, patience, and outstanding performance.'
The minister also described their achievements as 'inspirational for the new generation of players,' tagging both athletes directly in the post.
Policy Backdrop
India's recent run of success in shooting sports is underpinned by sustained government investment. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), launched in 2014, provides elite athletes in Olympic disciplines — including shooting — with financial support, specialised coaching, and access to international competition exposure.
The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup series is the premier annual circuit in the sport, serving as a critical qualification and ranking platform for multi-sport events including the Olympics. India has consistently fielded competitive squads across pistol, rifle, and shotgun disciplines in recent years.
Stakeholders and Impact
Esha Singh is an emerging force in Indian pistol shooting, having built her profile steadily through ISSF competitions. Manu Bhaker is among the country's most decorated shooters, holding multiple international medals and widely recognised for her performances on the Olympic stage.
Public congratulations from senior ministers across portfolios — not just the Sports Ministry — reflect a broader government pattern of amplifying athletic achievements to inspire youth participation. For aspiring shooters across India, podium finishes at the ISSF World Cup level serve as tangible proof that the investment in training infrastructure and athlete support is yielding results.
What's Next
Attention will now turn to India's performance at subsequent stages of the ISSF World Cup circuit and any selection announcements for upcoming major multi-sport events. Both Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker will be expected to carry their momentum into the remainder of the competitive season, with national selectors closely monitoring rankings and form ahead of future qualification windows.
Point of View
Making their medals a validation of policy as much as personal achievement. The congratulations also serve to reinforce the BJP government's broader narrative of India as a rising sporting nation. With major multi-sport events on the horizon, expect such ministerial endorsements to intensify as athletes move through qualification cycles.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Esha Singh and what did she win at the ISSF World Cup 2026?
Esha Singh is an Indian pistol shooter who won the gold medal in the 25-metre women's pistol event at the ISSF World Cup, as confirmed by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat's congratulatory post on 27 July 2026.
What medal did Manu Bhaker win at the ISSF World Cup 2026?
Manu Bhaker won the bronze medal in the 25-metre women's pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2026, according to Minister Shekhawat's post.
What is the ISSF World Cup?
The ISSF World Cup is the premier annual international shooting competition series organised by the International Shooting Sport Federation, covering pistol, rifle, and shotgun disciplines and serving as a key ranking and qualification platform.
What is India's Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)?
TOPS, launched in 2014, is a Government of India programme that provides elite athletes in Olympic disciplines — including shooting — with financial support, coaching, and international competition opportunities to help them reach Olympic podiums.
Why did Culture Minister Shekhawat congratulate shooters?
Senior ministers across portfolios routinely issue public congratulations to Indian athletes to reinforce national pride and inspire youth participation in sport, a pattern consistent with the government's broader sporting outreach.
