ISSF World Cup Buenos Aires: Esha Singh leaves behind disappointment of Paris with silver in tough field

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Twenty-year-old Esha Singh buried ghosts of the past as she shot a silver medal in the sports pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Saturday.

For someone who had done very well in the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, her performance in the Paris 2024 Olympics was below par. However, the Hyderabad-based girl did not allow negativity to affect her.

The field in the World Cup was a tough one, though coming up with a score of 35 points in the final to win silver was very creditable. Easha finished behind China's Sun Yujie, but what was more important, Esha upstaged Manu Bhaker of India. Manu had done well in the qualifying phase to score 585 out of 600. However, in the final, Esha was in blazing form. She reeled off series which showed fierce concentration and great preparation. Paris Olympics star Manu finished sixth.

Speaking to MyKhel on Sunday, Esha summed up her journey. She had taken a long break after the Olympics. "After the Olympics, I had taken a six-month break to focus on my education," said Esha. She had also been travelling, something which was on her bucket list. "Looking at the new season, we have made a couple of changes which need a little more time to adjust for better performances. The progress is on," said Esha.

As one who handles pressure well, Esha says the silver is special. "Winning the silver with the new changes made is the icing on the cake. What I have worked hard for has paid off," said Esha. Asked about the competition quality in Buenos Aires, Esha said it "was exactly like the lineup for the Paris Olympics."

Indian shooting is one sport where there is no dearth of talent. Esha is ready to take on seniors, age wise as well as the youngsters who do well in trials conducted periodically by the NRAI. "My roadmap ahead would be the World Championship (November 2025) and the Asian Games (2026, Nagoya, Japan)," she said.

Even though Esha had taken a break from the sport, on return she has trained very sharply. She has spent time at the ranges by herself as well as sought guidance from Ved Prakash and Ronak Pandit. After this World Cup, the team will move to Lima, Peru, for the next ISSF World Cup.