Passion, clarity and focus have shaped Esha Singh’s journey from picking up shooting at the age of 13, after initially exploring multiple sports in her school years, to emerging as one of India’s most promising international shooters. Now 21, the Olympian and Arjuna Awardee has built her rise on discipline and composure under pressure, marked by consistent performances on the global stage. That progression came into sharp focus at the ISSF (International Shooting Sport Federation) World Cup in Munich in May 2026, where she clinched gold in the women’s 25m pistol event with a world-record score of 43 hits out of 50, also adding a silver in the 10m air pistol event in a standout double podium finish.
In a candid interview, Esha Singh shared her thoughts on handling pressure at the highest level, balancing a demanding training and travel schedule, and the discipline required to stay consistent in elite sport. As an athlete, she also spoke about managing setbacks, staying focused during competition, and the mindset that continues to guide her on the international stage.
Beyond her achievements in shooting, Esha is also the brand ambassador for Lifespan, one of India’s leading nutraceutical and wellness companies. She said the association resonated with her values as an athlete, particularly the importance of promoting health, wellness and better lifestyle choices.
Q: At the ISSF World Cup in Munich, you shot 43 hits in a 50-shot final to set a new world record. What went through your mind at that moment?
“I actually took a moment to realise what had happened. I didn’t know until I gave the post-match interview. When they told me, I was like, okay, I have broken the world record,” Esha said. “It took time to digest it. I could not believe it at first, but then I told myself I trained for this, I deserve it.”
Q: How did your journey into shooting begin, and what made you choose it over other sports?
“I just explored all the sports when I was younger,” she said. “Even in school during summer, we would play tennis and badminton. I did end up taking badminton quite seriously, so we were regularly going for coaching. But then I felt like I was losing interest. It wasn’t really what I wanted to do.”
“It happened very randomly through my dad,” Esha recalled. “I went along with him one day, and that’s when I saw shooting for the first time. I didn’t think it was something serious at first, but when I started, I realised I could actually pursue it. Then I started winning, and things just built from there. I really like it, and I do it with passion.”
Q: Growing up in shooting, which athletes shaped your approach to the sport?
“I would say Greek athlete Anna Korakaki is one of my early inspirations. She was one of the first female athletes to win two Olympic medals in the same Games. In Rio, she won both 10m and 25m.“I really liked the way she shoots. That level of control inspired me early on.”
Q: How do you deal with pressure, especially as expectations grow after winning medals?
“The more you win, the more expectations come,” Esha noted. “People think winning gives confidence, but sometimes it actually adds more pressure. I hadn’t slept the night before my Asian Games debut. That was the first time I really understood what pressure can do to you. It becomes part of the performance. You just have to manage it.”
“After a big result, you still have to switch back into competition mode quickly after ceremonies and interviews. I won silver in the 25m and then had the 10m event the next day. I was mentally exhausted, but I still had to perform. That tournament was very challenging, but it taught me a lot and gave me the confidence that I can handle it again.”
Q: Do you sometimes feel like you miss out on a regular 21-year-old life?
“I try to balance it, but there are times when I have to hold myself back,” Esha reflected. “We are constantly travelling, it takes a toll physically, and people don’t always realise we are there for a competition, not a vacation. We get very limited time to explore, and even then I have to think about training the next day. But when I’m home, I’m grateful for my friends and family. I try to keep that balance, but there are sacrifices I have to make.”
Q: Do you ever feel intimidated competing against top international shooters?
“I don’t really look at it like they are bigger than me,” she said. “Once I’m on the line, I don’t think about who is standing next to me. We keep seeing the same faces again and again in finals. You know who they are, but once the match starts, my focus completely shifts to my own game. I just remind myself it’s my hand, my gun, my shot.”
Q: What stood out about your time competing in Munich during the Germany tour, and what did you explore there?
“I know Munich very well now, it’s one of the most important stops in the circuit. It’s my third time here, and I told myself I’m not leaving without a medal. The range and conditions are familiar, but in Germany the weather keeps changing, so you have to adapt quickly. Experience really helped me here,” Esha said confidently.
“I visited quite a few places, Munich has beautiful churches and cathedrals, and I really enjoy seeing them. I don’t remember the exact name, but one cathedral really stood out,” she said with joy. “I also went for a concert. My favourite artist is Olivia Dean, and I got a small break in between and asked my coach if I could go. It was a dream moment.”
Q: How do you manage diet, discipline, and lifestyle while constantly travelling?
“It’s a little hard because of travel,” Esha noted. “You get hungry, you get tired, but you still need to stay disciplined. When I’m at home, I always eat my mom’s food. Rasam and chicken would probably be my favourite. As an athlete, you have to be structured. Even when you’re tired, you have to keep focus.”
Q: What message would you give to youngsters who want to take up shooting or sports?
“I think anybody who wants to come into shooting now, especially in places like Hyderabad, has so many facilities available,” she said. “When I started, there were hardly any basic coaches or ranges. I had to travel across India just to find training.”
“Don’t give up when you face early failures. I see it like building blocks over time. I was very introverted when I started, but all those ups and downs gave me experience and clarity on what to correct. In a way, it all formed a pattern that helped me grow. Failure is very natural. Instead, treat it as experience, take notes, and come back stronger,” Esha concluded firmly.
With a world record already to her name and bigger stages still ahead, Esha Singh continues to approach each challenge with quiet determination. Guided by her belief in “By Grace Through Faith,” the young shooter remains focused on learning, improving, and moving forward.
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