Sonowal Hails Esha Singh, Manu Bhaker at ISSF World Cup
Synopsis
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal congratulated Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker for winning Gold and Bronze in the Women's 25m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou on 27 July 2026, calling the achievement a proud moment for India's Nari Shakti.
Key Takeaways
Esha Singh won Gold in the Women's 25m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup, Hangzhou on 27 July 2026 .
Manu Bhaker secured Bronze in the same event, adding to her growing international medal tally.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal publicly congratulated both athletes on X, invoking Nari Shakti .
India's women shooters have driven a growing share of the country's ISSF podium finishes in recent years.
The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) , active since 2014 , has been a key policy instrument supporting elite Indian shooters.
Results at the ISSF World Cup circuit feed into Olympic qualification rankings ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics .
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday, 27 July 2026 congratulated Indian shooters Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker after they claimed Gold and Bronze respectively in the Women's 25m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China.
Context
Sonowal took to X to extend his congratulations, writing: 'Heartiest congratulations to Esha Singh for clinching the Gold and Manu Bhaker for securing the Bronze in the Women's 25m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou.' He invoked the phrase Nari Shakti [Women's Power], saying India's women 'continue to scale new heights on the global stage, making the entire nation immensely proud.'
The acknowledgement from a senior Cabinet minister underscores the cross-portfolio attention Indian women athletes have drawn as the country builds momentum in shooting sports ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Policy Backdrop
India's rise in international shooting has been supported in part by the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), launched in 2014, which provides elite athletes with financial assistance, specialised coaching, and access to international competition exposure. Pistol shooters have been among the primary beneficiaries of the programme.
Manu Bhaker became one of India's most decorated shooters at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she secured multiple medals in pistol disciplines — a landmark performance that elevated the profile of Indian shooting globally. Esha Singh has built her reputation through consistent performances at both junior and senior levels in the 25m pistol category.
Stakeholders and Impact
The result at Hangzhou adds to a growing tally of international shooting medals for Indian women, reflecting sustained investment in training infrastructure and competitive exposure. Female athletes have accounted for an increasing share of India's shooting podium finishes at ISSF events over recent years.
For Esha Singh, a Gold at a senior ISSF World Cup represents a significant marker in her transition from junior to senior-level dominance. For Manu Bhaker, the Bronze adds to an already distinguished international record and keeps her in strong contention for selection cycles ahead of 2028.
What's Next
The ISSF World Cup is an annual multi-stage circuit, and subsequent legs will offer Indian shooters further ranking points and Olympic qualification opportunities. The Sports Ministry's support schemes, including TOPS, are expected to be reviewed and potentially expanded as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics qualification window draws closer.
India's consistent medal haul in shooting at global competitions will likely keep the discipline in focus for policymakers and sports administrators as they calibrate investment priorities over the next two years.
Point of View
Reinforcing the government's Nari Shakti narrative ahead of election cycles. The timing is notable: with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics qualification window approaching, public ministerial endorsements serve both as morale support for athletes and as signals to sports bodies about political prioritisation of shooting as a medal discipline. India's pistol-shooting pipeline — anchored by Manu Bhaker's Paris breakthrough and Esha Singh's rise — is increasingly seen as a reliable source of Olympic podium finishes, making it a natural platform for cross-portfolio visibility.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Women's 25m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2026 in Hangzhou?
Esha Singh won the Gold medal and Manu Bhaker won the Bronze medal in the Women's 25m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou in July 2026.
What is the ISSF World Cup?
The ISSF World Cup is an annual series of international shooting competitions organised by the International Shooting Sport Federation, covering rifle, pistol, and shotgun disciplines across multiple host cities each year.
What did Sarbananda Sonowal say about Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker?
Sarbananda Sonowal offered 'heartiest congratulations' to both athletes, praised India's Nari Shakti for scaling new heights on the global stage, and extended his best wishes for their future endeavours.
What is the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)?
TOPS is an Indian government initiative launched in 2014 to identify and support elite athletes with financial aid, coaching, and international competition access, with a focus on Olympic medal prospects including shooters.
How has Manu Bhaker performed at international shooting competitions?
Manu Bhaker is one of India's most decorated pistol shooters, having won multiple medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and maintained a strong presence on the ISSF World Cup circuit across pistol disciplines.
