Esha Singh’s Gold Leads India, Samrat Wins Bronze Manu Bhaker in Team Triumph

India’s shooters stamped their authority on the continental stage with a commanding display at the 2026 Asian Rifle & Pistol Championship in the capital, as Telangana’s rising star Esha Singh clinched gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event. Competing at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range , Esha delivered a performance defined by precision, composure and championship temperament.

The young Olympian topped a high-quality final with 239.8 points , holding her nerve in pressure moments where a fraction of a point separates the podium from heartbreak. This victory adds to her growing continental pedigree, underlining her consistency in major Asian competitions and strengthening her reputation as one of India’s most dependable pistol shooters.

India’s dominance extended beyond the individual podium. In the women’s team event, Esha joined forces with Manu Bhaker and Suruchi Inder Singh to secure team gold . The trio amassed 1726 points in qualification, reflecting depth, balance and technical control across the lineup. Their collective success highlighted India’s strength in women’s pistol shooting, an area that has delivered consistent international results in recent seasons.

The championship also brought mixed fortunes in the individual final. While Esha soared, Bhaker finished seventh and Suruchi narrowly missed the podium, placing fourth. Yet both remain strong medal contenders in upcoming events, including the 25m pistol and mixed team competitions, where tactical rhythm and recovery often reshape outcomes.

In the men’s 10m air pistol events, world champion Samrat Rana added to India’s medal haul with bronze , scoring 220.3 in a tightly contested final. His steady series, featuring high-value shots at crucial stages, demonstrated the experience that has made him one of Asia’s elite pistol shooters. India’s men also secured team silver , with Rana, Sarvan Kumar , and Varun Tomar combining for 1732 points .

Beyond medals, this championship serves as an important seasonal benchmark. With top Asian nations fielding strong contingents, the event offers athletes a competitive platform to test form, refine technique, and build psychological resilience ahead of major multi-sport events later in the year.

With 311 shooters from 20 countries competing through February 13, the New Delhi meet has quickly become a showcase of Asia’s shooting depth and India, backed by home support and emerging talent, has made its intentions clear: the future of Indian pistol shooting is not just promising, it is already delivering.