CM Sukhu Congratulates Esha Singh, Manu Bhaker on ISSF World Cup Medals
Synopsis
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker after they won gold and bronze respectively in the Women's 25m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China, calling the achievement a matter of national pride.
Key Takeaways
Esha Singh won the gold medal in the Women's 25 Metre Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup, Hangzhou .
Manu Bhaker claimed the bronze medal in the same event, giving India a double podium finish.
The event was held in Hangzhou, China , a city with a track record of hosting major international sporting competitions.
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu publicly congratulated both athletes on 27 July 2026 via social media.
The result underlines India's growing depth in women's pistol shooting on the international circuit.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday, 27 July 2026, congratulated Indian shooters Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker after the duo claimed medals in the Women's 25 Metre Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup held in Hangzhou, China. Singh secured the gold medal while Bhaker took bronze, adding to India's growing haul at international shooting competitions.
Context
Chief Minister Sukhu took to social media to express pride in the two athletes' performances. In his post, he wrote: 'ईशा, मनु को हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएँ। देश को आप दोनों की इस शानदार उपलब्धि पर गर्व है।' — translated as: 'Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Esha and Manu. The country is proud of this outstanding achievement by both of you.'
The ISSF World Cup series, governed by the International Shooting Sport Federation, is one of the premier annual circuits in Olympic shooting and serves as a key qualification and ranking platform for athletes worldwide. Hangzhou, a major Chinese city, has previously hosted large-scale international sporting events.
Policy Backdrop
India's investment in pistol shooting has deepened significantly over the past decade, with the national federation and government-backed programmes supporting athletes through international exposure at ISSF events. Manu Bhaker emerged as one of India's most decorated pistol shooters in recent years, drawing national attention with her performances at the highest levels of the sport, including the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Esha Singh has steadily built her senior international profile through ISSF competitions, and a gold medal at a World Cup event marks a significant milestone in her career. Together, the two athletes represent a generational depth in Indian women's pistol shooting that coaches and federation officials have pointed to as a structural strength.
Stakeholders and Impact
The twin-medal finish in a single event is a notable result for the Indian shooting contingent and is likely to boost confidence ahead of future international multi-sport competitions. Political leaders across states have made it a consistent practice to publicly acknowledge such sporting achievements, reinforcing the athletes' visibility and potentially influencing state-level sports funding conversations.
For Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker, recognition from elected officials at the state and national level also amplifies their profiles, which can translate into sponsorship opportunities and institutional support. Shooting federations and coaches typically welcome such public acknowledgement as it sustains momentum for the sport in a competitive media environment.
What's Next
With the ISSF World Cup circuit continuing across multiple legs through the year, both athletes are expected to remain in contention for further medals and ranking points. Performance at these stages directly influences selection for major multi-sport events, making each World Cup appearance consequential for India's shooting programme. The national coaching staff will be watching closely as the selection cycle for upcoming championships progresses.
Point of View
Reflecting the depth that has been built in women's shooting over the past several years. Manu Bhaker's continued presence at the top of the results sheet, now alongside Esha Singh's emergence as a gold medallist, suggests Indian pistol shooting is entering a phase of genuine competitive breadth rather than dependence on a single star. For policymakers, such results strengthen the case for sustained investment in shooting infrastructure and athlete support programmes ahead of the next major multi-sport cycle.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won gold in the ISSF World Cup Women's 25m Pistol event in Hangzhou 2026?
Esha Singh of India won the gold medal in the Women's 25 Metre Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup held in Hangzhou, China.
What medal did Manu Bhaker win at the ISSF World Cup 2026 in Hangzhou?
Manu Bhaker won the bronze medal in the Women's 25 Metre Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China.
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, and serving as a key ranking and qualification circuit for Olympic-level athletes.
Why did Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu congratulate Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker?
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated the two shooters after they secured gold and bronze medals respectively for India at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China, describing the achievement as a matter of national pride.
Where is Hangzhou and why does it host international sports events?
Hangzhou is a major city in eastern China and has established itself as a venue for large-scale international sporting competitions, including multi-sport games and shooting events, owing to its modern sports infrastructure.
