Suruchi Defends Munich Gold as Esha Singh Seals Silver in India’s 10m Air Pistol Masterclass

Munich turned into a celebration for India as Suruchi Inder Singh successfully defended her women’s 10m air pistol gold while Esha Singh claimed silver, lifting the country to the top of the medal tally at the ISSF World Cup .

Suruchi delivered a composed 242.1 to retain her title, matching her gold-winning feat from last year at the same venue. Esha stayed close throughout and finished with 241.2 , securing a well earned silver. The bronze went to Korea’s Choo Gaeun .

It was a double podium finish for India after both shooters narrowly qualified for the final with identical scores of 578 , just ahead of reigning Olympic champion Oh Yejin . Choo had topped qualification with 583 , while experienced names like France’s Celine Goberville also made the cut.

In the final, Suruchi began slowly but steadily climbed the rankings with consistent high precision shots. Esha remained in the medal fight from early stages, with both Indians eventually putting pressure on the leaders as rivals faltered.

The closing stages were intense as Suruchi overtook the field to secure gold. Esha stayed in contention for silver till the final shots, but despite a strong 10.7 , she finished just behind her teammate, while Suruchi’s 10.3 sealed the win.

Suruchi said she felt no pressure and credited her growing confidence, marking her fourth World Cup gold and fifth ISSF gold in two years.

Esha added another medal after her world record gold in 25m pistol earlier in the event , showing remarkable form across disciplines.

India now lead the medal tally with two gold and one silver , while men’s results were mixed. Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar was disqualified after equipment issues despite qualifying sixth, while others finished outside top positions.

India will now aim to maintain momentum in the remaining mixed team events.