New Delhi, 10 February 2026 — India’s Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker returned to the podium with a thrilling silver medal in the women’s 25m pistol event at the Asian Rifle and Pistol Championships 2026, held at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi. The competition saw intense shooting action, culminating in a dramatic shoot-off for the gold medal.
Intense Final and Shoot-Off Drama
The women’s 25m pistol final was one of the most exciting events of the championship, featuring high-pressure shooting and a neck-and-neck battle for the top spot. Bhaker matched Vietnam’s Nguyen Thuy Trang shot-for-shot throughout the final, finishing regulation with equal hits — forcing a shoot-off to decide the winner. After two tense shoot-off rounds, Nguyen edged ahead, clinching gold while Bhaker settled for silver.
Bhaker’s performance was marked by strong accuracy and mental resilience, especially after a slow start in earlier stages of the final, highlighting her skill and competitive spirit.
Esha Singh Also Shines with Bronze
Adding to India’s success in the event, Esha Singh secured the bronze medal in the same 25m pistol competition. Singh’s strong performance in qualification and the final rounds helped India place two shooters on the podium — a testament to the depth of talent in the Indian women’s pistol squad.
Both Bhaker and Singh boosted India’s medal tally at the championship and underlined the nation’s growing strength in continental shooting sports.
Performance Highlights
Here’s a quick summary of the results from the 25m pistol women’s final:
- 🥇 Gold: Nguyen Thuy Trang (Vietnam)
- 🥈 Silver: Manu Bhaker (India)
- 🥉 Bronze: Esha Singh (India)
India also secured team gold in the 25m pistol event, reflecting consistent team strength across qualification and final levels.
Bhaker’s Journey and Comeback
This silver medal marks a significant competitive performance for Bhaker after finishing seventh in the 10m air pistol event earlier in the championship, where compatriot Esha Singh won gold. Bhaker’s return to the podium showcases her adaptability and determination across multiple pistol disciplines.
She has previously achieved global acclaim as an elite shooter, including two Olympic bronze medals and multiple international podium finishes, further cementing her status as one of India’s top markswomen.
