New Delhi | February 9, 2026 | SKY LINK TIMES
Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026:
India’s shooting contingent continued its impressive run at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026, but not without heartbreak. Manu Bhaker narrowly missed out on gold in the women’s 25m pistol event after a tense double shoot-off, while Esha Singh secured bronze at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.
The results further boosted India’s medal tally to an impressive 60 medals — including 37 gold, 13 silver, and 10 bronze — underlining the nation’s dominance in the continental event.
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Double Shoot-Off Drama in 25m Pistol Final
The women’s 25m pistol final turned into a gripping contest between Manu Bhaker, Esha Singh, and Vietnam’s Thuy Trang Nguyen.
Esha began strongly with a perfect five in the opening series, while Manu and Nguyen scored four each. The trio constantly exchanged positions in a tightly fought final. Nguyen’s flawless five-shot sixth series gave her a crucial two-point lead.
However, Manu and Esha capitalised when Nguyen faltered in the seventh series, tightening the contest. After the final series, Manu and Nguyen were tied at 35 hits, forcing a shoot-off.
In the first shoot-off, both shooters managed two hits each. The second shoot-off proved decisive, as Manu missed three shots, handing Nguyen the gold medal. Manu had to settle for silver in a heartbreaking finish.
Esha Singh, who was leading with 30 points after the eighth series, suffered a dramatic setback by missing all shots in the ninth series, ultimately finishing with bronze.
Rhythm Sangwan, the third Indian finalist, secured fourth place.
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Junior Category: Naamya Kapoor Shines
India found gold in the junior women’s 25m pistol event, thanks to Naamya Kapoor’s remarkable composure.
Kapoor tied with Indonesia’s Rihadatul Asyifa at 29 shots, pushing the contest into a shoot-off. Demonstrating nerves of steel, Kapoor struck three successful shots while her opponent failed to register any, clinching gold.
Anjali Bhagwat claimed bronze with 24 points, while Parisha Gupta, who topped the qualification round, finished fifth.
India’s Medal Tally Reaches 60
With victories in both senior and junior team events as well, India’s overall medal count reached 60 medals — a testament to the country’s growing strength in shooting sports.
The championship at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range continues to showcase India’s depth in pistol and rifle events ahead of upcoming international competitions.
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