Esha Singh Secures Gold at Asian Shooting Championship with Stellar Performance
Olympian Esha Singh demonstrated remarkable consistency by capturing the women's 10m air pistol gold medal at the Asian Championship on Wednesday. The 21-year-old shooter showcased her prowess by overcoming a challenging start in the final, ultimately finishing with an impressive score of 239.8. This victory marks her second senior Asian Championship individual gold, reinforcing her status as a rising star in international shooting.
Intense Final Showdown Against Top Competitors
In a gripping final round, Esha Singh faced stiff competition from shooters representing Chinese Taipei. Cheng Yen-Ching secured the silver medal with a score of 235.4, while Yu Ai-Wen claimed bronze with 217.7 points. Esha's ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident as she executed precise shots to secure the top position on the podium.
India's Strong Contingent in the Finals
India was well-represented in the women's 10m air pistol final, with Suruchi Singh and Manu Bhaker also competing. Suruchi, aged 19, initially led the competition after the first ten shots but eventually settled for fourth place during the elimination round. Manu Bhaker, a Paris Olympics bronze medallist, finished seventh after qualifying for the final.
The qualification round saw intense competition among Indian shooters. Suruchi Singh placed second with a score of 576, while both Manu Bhaker and Esha Singh scored 575. Manu qualified ahead of Esha due to a higher count of inner-10 shots, highlighting the narrow margins in elite shooting events.
Team Gold Highlights India's Dominance
Esha Singh's individual success was complemented by a team gold medal for India in the women's 10m air pistol event. The trio of Suruchi Singh, Manu Bhaker, and Esha Singh combined for a total score of 1,726, securing the top position on the podium. Vietnam finished second with 1,713 points, and Chinese Taipei took third with 1,711 points, underscoring the competitive nature of the championship.
Esha Singh's Growing Legacy in Shooting
Esha Singh's victory at the Asian Championship adds to her already impressive resume. Earlier in 2024, she claimed her first continental title, and last year, she won the ISSF World Cup gold in Ningbo, China. Her consistent performances across seasons indicate a promising trajectory as she continues to represent India on the global stage.
Other Notable Performances at the Championship
On the same day, world champion Samrat Rana earned a bronze medal in the men's 10m air pistol event. Despite falling short of his qualification form in the final, Rana's achievement contributed to India's medal tally at the championship.
India has fielded its largest squad ever at the Asian Championship, with 118 shooters participating across various events. This substantial representation reflects the country's growing emphasis on developing talent in shooting sports and its commitment to achieving excellence in international competitions.
