The Precision Play: Indian Shooters Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker Set Their Sights on Gold at the ISSF Worlds

In the high-stakes arena of the ISSF World Championship, sometimes a single stage can make all the difference, truly. For India’s dynamic duo, Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker, that pivotal moment arrived during the precision stage of the 25m Pistol Women's event in Baku, Azerbaijan. And what a performance it was, honestly, leaving them both firmly in contention for the coveted finals.

Esha Singh, with a cool composure that belies her years, shot an impressive 294 out of 300, a score that included a remarkable 12 central tens. You could say she was practically flawless. This stellar showing propelled her into the top tier, securing a provisional seventh position among a field teeming with global talent. Her consistency, in truth, has been a highlight, placing her well for the next critical phase.

Then there's Manu Bhaker, a name synonymous with Indian shooting success. She wasn't far behind, either. Manu carded a solid 292, featuring an admirable 11 central tens, which placed her at a provisional 14th. It's a testament to her experience and steely resolve that she could pull off such a score under immense pressure. Both athletes, it seems, are very much in the game.

The overall standings after the precision stage saw Thailand's Phatcharapon Choochuey leading the pack with an incredible 296, boasting a staggering 18 central tens. Clearly, the competition is fierce, as one would expect at a World Championship. Still, Esha and Manu have demonstrated they absolutely belong at this level.

The stage is now set, so to speak, for the rapid fire segment. This is where things really heat up, where speed meets precision in a thrilling display of marksmanship. The combined scores from both the precision and rapid fire stages will ultimately determine who advances to the medal rounds, and crucially, who earns those all-important Olympic quotas for Paris 2024. And that, after all, is the ultimate prize.

For these young Indian shooters, the journey in Baku is far from over. With the rapid fire stage ahead, anything can happen, but their strong start in the precision stage certainly gives them a significant boost. We'll be watching, undoubtedly, to see if they can maintain their form and bring home the glory.