Daijiworld Media Network – Ningbo

Ningbo, Sep 13: Olympian and reigning mixed team pistol world champion Esha Singh clinched her maiden World Cup gold in the women’s 10m air pistol, ending India’s medal drought at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol in Ningbo on Saturday. Competing at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Centre, the 20-year-old edged out China’s Yao Qianxun by a slender 0.1 point in a tense final; while reigning Olympic champion Oh Yejin of South Korea secured the bronze.

The victory lifted India to fifth place in the medal standings, joining four other nations with a gold, while hosts China lead with two gold, four silver, and one bronze.

“I am very happy as this is the first event that I started with and to win a world cup gold in it…I am just happy that some of my goals are being reached,” said Esha, who now eyes the upcoming World Championship in Cairo. “I know the pistol is in my hand and the battle is with me, so I try to enjoy the match as much as possible,” she added.

Esha and teammate Rhythm Sangwan had qualified for the final with identical scores of 578, securing the last two available spots. Yao topped qualification with 584, while India’s Palak Gulia, competing for ranking points, shot 586. Surbhi Rao finished 25th with 568.

In the eight-shooter final, Rhythm started strong, briefly leading after the first series while Esha was second. By the halfway mark, Esha moved into the lead and maintained composure as Rhythm slipped to fifth, where she eventually finished. Esha’s two crucial 10.7 shots sealed her 242.6 score, narrowly surpassing Yao.

In other results, Bhavesh Shekhawat placed 22nd in the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol with 575, followed by Pradeep Singh Shekhawat in 23rd with the same score, while Mandeep Singh finished 39th with 562.