Esha Singh wins gold, Manu Bhaker takes bronze at ISSF World Cup Hangzhou
Synopsis
Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker delivered a gold-bronze double for India in the women's 25m pistol at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou — Esha's second major title of a record-breaking 2026 season, and another reminder that Manu's Paris 2024 form was no flash in the pan.
Key Takeaways
Esha Singh won gold in the women's 25m pistol at the ISSF World Cup, Hangzhou on 27 July .
Manu Bhaker claimed bronze in the same event, overcoming a highly competitive field.
Esha, 21 , earlier set both the senior and junior world records in the 25m pistol at the ISSF World Cup in Munich this season.
Manu became the first athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single Olympic Games at Paris 2024 .
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated both shooters in a post on X .
Esha Singh clinched the gold medal and Manu Bhaker secured bronze in the women's 25m pistol event at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Hangzhou, China, delivering a double podium finish for India on 27 July. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated both shooters, calling the achievement another proud moment for the country.
How the Final Unfolded
India's pair had set the tone in the qualification round, with Manu topping the standings to advance to the final and Esha finishing second. In the medal event, Esha produced a composed, commanding performance to stand atop the podium, while Manu overcame a highly competitive field to claim bronze.
Esha Singh's Standout Season
The gold adds to an already remarkable 2026 campaign for the 21-year-old Esha, who earlier this season created history by setting both the senior and junior world records in the women's 25m pistol final at the ISSF World Cup in Munich. The Hangzhou title confirms her status as one of the most consistent performers on the global shooting circuit this year.
Manu Bhaker's Continued Excellence
For Manu Bhaker, the bronze medal further underscores her consistency at the highest level. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, she became the first athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single edition of the Games. Her podium finish in Hangzhou signals that her Olympic form has carried seamlessly into the post-Paris cycle.
Government's Response
Mandaviya praised both shooters in a post on X, writing: 'Bharat on the podium! Congratulations to Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker on winning Gold and Bronze in the Women's 25m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou. The entire nation is proud of you both!' The minister's public acknowledgement reflects the Centre's sustained focus on elevating shooting as a medal-priority sport.
India's Growing Shooting Pedigree
The twin medals reinforce India's rising stature in international shooting. The country has consistently featured on ISSF World Cup podiums in recent seasons, and Hangzhou extends that run. With the next major international cycle approaching, both Esha and Manu are firmly among the names to watch on the global stage.
Point of View
And Manu Bhaker continues to perform at the level that made her Paris 2024 historic. What mainstream coverage underplays is the structural shift: India is no longer producing one-off shooting stars but a pipeline of consistent world-class performers in the pistol discipline. The real question for selectors and the Sports Authority of India is whether the support infrastructure — coaching depth, competition exposure, mental conditioning — is scaling at the same pace as the athletes themselves.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Esha Singh win at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou?
Esha Singh won the gold medal in the women's 25m pistol event at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Hangzhou, China, on 27 July 2026. She produced a commanding performance in the final after finishing second in qualification.
What medal did Manu Bhaker win at ISSF World Cup Hangzhou?
Manu Bhaker won the bronze medal in the women's 25m pistol event in Hangzhou. She had topped the qualification standings before finishing third in a highly competitive final.
What records has Esha Singh set in 2026?
Esha Singh set both the senior and junior world records in the women's 25m pistol final at the ISSF World Cup in Munich earlier in 2026, making her Hangzhou gold the second major title of a historic season.
Why is Manu Bhaker historically significant in Indian sport?
Manu Bhaker became the first athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympic Games, achieving the feat at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her Hangzhou bronze demonstrates continued elite-level consistency after that landmark performance.
How did Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya react to the results?
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated both shooters in a post on X, writing: 'Bharat on the podium! Congratulations to Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker on winning Gold and Bronze in the Women's 25m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou. The entire nation is proud of you both!'
