Asian Games Shooting: Manu Bhakar’s Come‑back and India’s Near‑miss in Team Event

The shooting arena in Nagoya saw Indian star Manu Bhaker climb back into contention on September 23, securing a place in the women’s 10 m air pistol final with a qualifying score of 579 and a third‑place ranking.

Bhaker’s six series of 95, 96, 98, 96, 96 and 98 demonstrated consistency that kept her inside the top eight needed for the final.

In contrast, compatriots Esha Singh (572 points, 15th) and Suruchi Singh (568 points, 26th) fell short of final qualification.

The team competition proved equally tight. India’s trio posted 1,719‑44x, trailing Vietnam’s bronze‑medal total of 1,719‑46x by just two inner‑tens, resulting in a fourth‑place finish.

Having missed an individual podium at Hangzhou 2022, Bhaker was part of the gold‑winning women’s 25 m pistol team there. Her current form in Nagoya offers a timely chance for redemption.