Did Manu Bhaker Miss Gold in the Shoot-off While Esha Secured Bronze in 25m Pistol?
Synopsis
In a nail-biting showdown at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship, Manu Bhaker narrowly missed out on gold in the 25m Women’s Pistol event, while Esha Singh clinched a bronze medal. This thrilling competition showcased India's prowess in shooting sports, contributing to an impressive medal tally.
Key Takeaways
Manu Bhaker narrowly missed gold in a shoot-off.
Esha Singh secured bronze, her second medal of the championship.
India's total medal tally reached 60, including 37 golds.
Naamya Kapoor won gold in the junior category.
The championships showcased India's prowess in shooting sports.
New Delhi, Feb 9 (NationPress) Manu Bhaker narrowly fell short of winning the gold medal as she lost to Vietnam’s Thuy Trang Nguyen in a thrilling final of the 25m Women’s Pistol event at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship, held at the illustrious Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range. The final was intensely contested and concluded after two shoot-offs.
Esha Singh claimed her second individual medal of the championship, seizing the bronze. In another gripping shoot-off, Naamya Kapoor triumphed in the junior category to secure gold, while Anjali Bhagwat earned bronze in the same event. This impressive performance brought India’s total medal count to an outstanding 60 medals, comprising 37 gold, 13 silver, and 10 bronze.
Esha kicked off the finals with an impeccable five in the first series, while both Manu and Thuy Trang managed four. The competition remained fierce as the shooters exchanged positions after each series. The Indian duo applied pressure on the Vietnamese athlete, but a flawless fifth series by Nguyen allowed her to pull ahead by two points.
Manu and Esha capitalized on Nguyen’s falter in the seventh series, closing the gap significantly.
At the conclusion of the eighth series, Esha held a lead with a score of 30 but missed all her shots in the ninth, ultimately settling for bronze. In the tenth series, Manu scored three shots, and Nguyen managed two, leading to a tie that necessitated a shoot-off.
During the first shoot-off, both athletes hit two shots each. In the subsequent shoot-off, Manu missed three shots, resulting in her missing out on the coveted gold medal.
Rhythm Sangwan, the third Indian in the final, finished in fourth place.
In the junior finals, Naamya Kapoor survived a tense shoot-off to win gold, equaling Rihadatul Asyifa of Indonesia with 29 shots. The young Indian shooter maintained composure during the shoot-off, scoring three shots while Asyifa missed all attempts. Anjali Bhagwat claimed bronze with a score of 24, while Parisha Gupta, who qualified first for the finals, concluded in fifth place with 14 shots.
The Indian teams also achieved gold in both senior and junior categories.
Point of View
I reflect on the remarkable performances displayed by our shooters at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship. While Manu Bhaker's narrow miss for gold is a heart-wrenching moment, the triumph of Esha Singh and Naamya Kapoor showcases the depth of talent in Indian shooting sports. This event not only adds to our medal tally but also strengthens our position on the international stage.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the gold medal in the 25m Women’s Pistol event?
Thuy Trang Nguyen from Vietnam won the gold medal.
How many medals did India win in the championship?
India secured a total of 60 medals, including 37 gold, 13 silver, and 10 bronze.
Did Esha Singh win a medal?
Yes, Esha Singh won a bronze medal in the 25m Women’s Pistol event.
What is the significance of this championship for India?
This championship highlights India's growing strength in shooting sports, showcasing emerging talent and contributing to a strong medal tally.
Where was the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship held?
The championship took place at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.
