India’s rising pistol shooting sensation Esha Singh has created history by winning her first individual ISSF World Cup medal, claiming silver in the women’s 25m sports pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2025 held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The 20-year-old shooter delivered a composed and confident performance, registering 35 hits out of 50 in the final to finish behind China’s Sun Yujie, who won gold with 38, while fellow Chinese shooter Feng Sixuan took bronze with a score of 30.
This medal marks a significant milestone in Esha’s young yet impactful career and stands as India’s third medal at this edition of the World Cup.
Her achievement adds another feather to her growing list of international accolades and is a major boost to India’s medal tally and confidence in pistol events.
A Steady and Strategic Final Performance
Esha Singh, known for her calm demeanor under pressure, qualified for the final with a score of 579, securing the 9th spot in the qualification round.
Once in the final, she brought out her A-game, showing consistency through the five 10-shot series. Her total of 35/50 was just three points shy of the gold medal mark, but a testament to her mental strength, especially considering the high stakes and elite field.
The gold medal was captured by China’s Sun Yujie, who dominated the final with 38 hits, while her compatriot Feng Sixuan, despite a strong start, fell behind in the final stages and settled for bronze with 30.
Esha held her nerve during tense elimination rounds, where every shot could mean a step closer to a medal—or out of contention.
Manu Bhaker Makes Final, Finishes 6th
Joining Esha in the final was Olympian Manu Bhaker, another consistent performer on the world stage. Manu qualified strongly in third place with a solid 585, showcasing excellent form in the qualification round.
However, she could not carry the same rhythm into the final and ended with 20 points, placing 6th after losing out in a crucial shoot-off.
While disappointed with the result, Manu’s qualification performance is a positive takeaway and a strong indicator of form leading into future tournaments, including the upcoming Olympic qualifiers and continental championships.
Strong Showing from the Indian Pistol Squad
India had three shooters making it to the top 13 in this event, with Simranpreet Kaur Brar finishing 13th with a score of 576, narrowly missing out on a finals berth. The collective showing of the Indian women’s pistol team at this World Cup underlines the depth and competitiveness in the squad.
With Esha’s silver, India now has three medals at the Buenos Aires World Cup, a strong start to the ISSF season and a clear indication that Indian shooters are building momentum on the road to the Paris Olympics and beyond.
A Star on the Rise: Esha Singh
This silver medal continues Esha Singh’s consistent rise in the sport. Having already won multiple team and mixed team medals, including a silver at the 2023 Asian Games, this World Cup silver is her first individual medal at a senior ISSF World Cup, and perhaps her most significant international achievement so far.
At just 20 years old, Esha has already established herself as a key figure in India’s pistol shooting lineup. Her ability to perform under pressure, adaptability across 10m and 25m events, and rapid maturity bode well for India’s shooting future.
Looking Ahead
With the 2024 Paris Olympics behind and the 2026 Asian Games and 2028 LA Olympics in the sights, India’s shooting contingent is gradually shaping up into a formidable force. Performances like Esha Singh’s silver in Buenos Aires are not just medal wins — they are building blocks for long-term success on the global stage.
As India celebrates Esha’s landmark silver, the message is clear — the new generation of shooters is ready, confident, and hungry for world titles. With seasoned performers like Manu Bhaker and exciting talents like Esha, Indian shooting is in safe, steady hands.
