Hyderabad shooter Esha Singh leads India’s golden opening at Asian Championship
HYDERABAD: Former mixed team world champion Esha Singh clinched her second career Asian Championship gold by winning the women’s 10m air pistol event with a score of 239.8. The competition was held at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges on Wednesday, the opening day of the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026.
Esha Singh’s Comeback Gold
The Hyderabad shooter had earlier won the same event in Jakarta two years ago. She was placed seventh after the first series of five shots. Esha then made a steady climb up the leaderboard. She took a decisive lead after the 19th shot in the 24-shot final to seal the title.
Chinese Taipei shooters Cheng Yen-Ching and Yu Ai-Wen finished second and third, winning silver and bronze respectively. They finished behind the Indian Olympian.
Men’s 10m Air Pistol Results
In the men’s 10m air pistol final, reigning world champion Samrat Rana had to settle for bronze with a score of 220.3. Uzbekistan’s Vladimir Svechnikov won the gold with 242.0. Kazakhstan’s Valeriy Rakhimzan claimed silver, finishing one point behind the winner.
India Wins Women’s Team Gold
India struck gold in the women’s 10m air pistol team event as well. Esha Singh, Manu Bhaker and Suruchi Singh combined for a total score of 1,726. The Indian trio finished 13 points ahead of Vietnam, which secured the silver medal.
In the men’s team event, Samrat Rana, Sharvan Kumar and Varun Tomar won silver for the hosts.
Junior and Youth Events Shine for India
Jonathan Gavin Antony matched Esha’s double-gold feat in the junior men’s 10m air pistol. He won the individual title with a score of 240.9. He then teamed up with Chirag Sharma and Priyanshu Yadav to clinch the team gold.
India’s strong start continued in the men’s youth 10m air pistol event. Dhairya Parashar won the individual gold, while Mandeep Chauhan took silver. The hosts secured a 1-2 finish. The duo, along with Girish Gupta, also claimed the team gold.
Strong Medal Tally Opening Day
India ended the day with nine medals, including six golds and two silvers. The hosts opened up a clear lead at the top of the medal tally. Uzbekistan stood second after the opening day.
