The Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship witnessed edge-of-seat action in the women’s 25m pistol final, where Manu Bhaker’s bid for gold ended in shoot-off despair against Thuy Trang Nguyen of Vietnam. Despite a gritty performance, Bhaker claimed silver on Monday.
Teammate Isha Singh dazzled with early perfection, leading a fierce podium fight. Leads flipped series by series; Nguyen’s mid-match surge gave her edge, countered by Indian fightback.
Isha’s eighth-series lead evaporated with ninth-series misses, earning bronze—championship medal number two. Manu’s closing three hits forced overtime after Nguyen’s two.
Shoot-offs: 2-2 first round; Manu’s triple miss second round sealed Nguyen’s win. Rhythm Sangwan fourth. Juniors: Naimya Kapoor’s ice-cool 3-0 shoot-off over Aisyifa (29 tie) for gold; Anjali Bhagwat bronze (24); Parisha fifth (14).
Team successes propelled India to 60 medals—37 gold, 13 silver, 10 bronze. Bhaker’s near-miss fuels motivation, as India’s shooters dominate Asia, blending youth and experience for global aspirations.