Olympic bronze medallist Manu Bhaker shot 582 to finish in 12^th in the women’s 25m pistol event in the 98-strong field. 

Olympian and Asian Games medallist, Esha Singh won gold in women’s 25m pistol with a world record score of 43 at the year’s second International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Rifle/Pistol leg being held at Olympic Shooting range in Munich.

In a power-packed final, the Indian shooter was consistent and with each shot moved ahead of her rivals to win first gold for the Indian team.

Home favourite and former world champion Doreen Vennekamp, won silver. Bulgarian Miroslava Mincheva won bronze in a field where reigning Olympic champion Yang Jiin finished fifth.

 “Munich meant a lot to me. Everyone knows the kind of competition that goes on here, especially in pistol. I really wanted to win this as this was my third time here,” Esha said.

The 21-year-old shot 294 in the rapid-fire round of qualification, and 293 in the precision round to claim the fourth qualifying spot with a score of 587. 

Compatriots Manu Bhaker and Rahi Sarnobat shot scores of 582 and 581 to finish in 12^th and 14^th positions respectively, in the 98-strong field. 

Ashi Chouksey failed to advance to the final of the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions (3P). She shot 589 in a field of 70 shooters to finish 10^th. Swiss Emely Jaeggi took the eighth and final spot on 590. Reigning Olympic Champion Chiara Leone shot 587 to finish in 28^th spot.

Norway’s Jeanette Hegg Duestad won gold from Briton Seonaid Mcintosh, while the home country’s Anna Janssen picked up bronze.

Among the other Indians in contention in the women’s 3P, Vidarsa Vinod shot 588 to finish 14^th overall. Tilottama Sen shot 583 to finish 48^th.

EOM