Manu Bhaker: "I've mixed feelings about this one" after World Cup bronze in Hangzhou

Manu Bhaker took bronze in the women's 25m pistol at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China, on July 29, 2026. "I've mixed feelings about this one," Bhaker said, saying she believed she could have done better despite improving her performance.

The podium in Hangzhou was an all-India affair at the top two positions, with Esha Singh claiming gold and Bhaker securing bronze in the same event. Bhaker, an Olympic medallist, stood alongside a rising Esha Singh as India collected a double podium finish at the World Cup. The result underlined another strong showing for Indian women's pistol shooting at a major international meet.

Bhaker acknowledged that her form had signs of improvement even as she expressed disappointment at not finishing higher. She made clear that, while progress was visible in her shooting, her own expectations left her with mixed emotions about the medal. The balance of progress and personal standards framed her reaction to the Hangzhou result.

Bhaker thanked her support network after the competition, noting her appreciation for those around her. Bhaker thanked her team, family and fans. That gratitude followed a performance that yielded a podium place but short of the mark she had set for herself.

Esha Singh's triumph in the event provided the gold-medal highlight for India at the ISSF World Cup stage in Hangzhou. The win added to Singh's growing list of international successes and helped ensure the country celebrated a multi-medal afternoon in the women's 25m pistol. Esha continued her impressive rise with another major international title.

Bhaker's bronze and Singh's gold together showcased India's strength in the women's 25m pistol at this World Cup stop. While Bhaker left the range content with certain improvements, her words reflected a competitor still aiming higher even after standing on the podium. The combined result will be taken as both a reward and a reminder by the Indian shooting contingent.