India’s shooting stars once again lit up the international stage as Suruchi Phogat and Esha Singh produced a sensational one-two finish in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2026 in Munich.

In a gripping all-Indian showdown on Friday, Suruchi held her nerve to clinch the gold medal with 242.1 points, while Esha settled for silver with 241.2 points — just 0.9 behind her compatriot after a dramatic final elimination series.

The result marked yet another proud chapter for Indian shooting, with two young stars proving why the country continues to emerge as a global powerhouse in the sport.

Suruchi’s Calm Under Pressure Wins Gold

At just 20 years old, Suruchi Phogat showcased remarkable composure and precision under pressure. Entering the final elimination series with a narrow 1.2-point lead over Esha Singh, Suruchi stayed steady when it mattered most.

She fired scores of 10.2 and 10.3 in the final two shots, while Esha responded with 10.1 and a strong 10.7. Despite Esha’s late charge, Suruchi managed to maintain her advantage and seal the gold medal in style.

The triumph added another milestone to Suruchi’s rapidly growing career. The young shooter now boasts seven ISSF World Cup medals and continues to establish herself among the brightest names in international shooting.

Her latest victory also secured her a direct qualification berth for the ISSF World Cup Final, scheduled to take place in Rome later this year.

Esha Singh Continues Her Dream Run

If Suruchi was brilliant, Esha Singh was equally exceptional. The reigning Asian champion has been in peak form throughout the Munich World Cup and entered the 10m air pistol final riding high on confidence after winning the women’s 25m pistol title earlier in the week with a world record score.

Missing gold by less than a point, Esha pushed Suruchi till the very end and turned the final into a thrilling contest for fans watching around the world.

A Strong Message from Indian Shooting

The Munich World Cup has once again demonstrated India’s rising dominance in shooting sports. Over the last few years, Indian shooters have consistently delivered world-class performances, and the latest results only reinforce the country’s growing medal ambitions ahead of future global events.

South Korea’s Choo Gaeun claimed the bronze medal with 220.2 points, while London 2012 Olympic silver medallist Celine Goberville finished sixth in the final.

Interestingly, the qualification round had already hinted at a strong Indian challenge. Muskan emerged as the highest-placed Indian in qualification, finishing sixth with 579-16x while competing under Ranking Points Only (RPO). Suruchi and Esha both qualified with identical scores of 578, setting the stage for their unforgettable final showdown.

Manu Bhaker Misses Out, Eyes Mixed Team Event

Meanwhile, Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker narrowly missed out on making the final, finishing 20th with a score of 575-17x. It marked her second successive missed final in Munich.

However, Manu’s campaign is far from over, as she is set to compete next in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.

With Suruchi Phogat and Esha Singh delivering a golden statement in Munich, India’s shooting future looks brighter than ever. Their fearless performances, sharp precision, and ability to thrive under pressure are inspiring a new generation of athletes and reminding the world that Indian shooting is here to stay.