File - Esha Singh started with three perfect sets, hitting the target with all 15 of her efforts to take an early lead. She maintained the edge through the final to seal the title and the record. | Photo Credit: PTI

India’s Esha Singh broke the World Record in the women’s 25m pistol shooting event at the ISSF World Cup in Munich on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old earned 43 points (from a possible 50) to surpass the record held by South Korea’s Kim Ye-ji (42) and claim the gold medal.

Esha started with three perfect sets, hitting the target with all 15 of her efforts to take an early lead. She maintained the edge through the final to seal the title and the record.

“Munich meant a lot to me. Everyone in the sport knows the level of competition there, especially in pistol. It is very, very tough, and even getting into the top eight is quite tight,” said Esha after the final.

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“I really, badly wanted to win this one. It was my third time here, and last time, I did not even make it to the final, though the score for the top eight was the same. I am very grateful. I loved the experience and did not expect such good shooting to happen. I did my best and tried to execute what I had practised in training.”

Despite holding a comfortable lead over second-placed Doreen Vennekamp, Esha didn’t feel secure about her position.

“No, I was not calm at all. I could see my left hand shaking, and I tried to calm myself down. There were a lot of nerves. In our sport, you cannot escape it; you need to embrace it. That comes with experience, and I am grateful to feel it because you can learn from this,” she added.

Published on May 27, 2026