India’s double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker was nominated on November 3, 2026, for the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Athletes Committee elections for the 2026–2030 term. She is contesting in the Pistol category.
Election and voting
Ten candidates are contesting for two elected positions in the Pistol category. Voting is open to athletes aged 18 and above who are actively competing at either the ISSF World Championship 300m Rifle in Cairo, held from October 17 to 19, or the ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Doha, scheduled from November 3 to 13. The online voting platform reopened on November 3 and closes on November 13, when eligible athletes in Doha can cast their final votes.
Bhaker’s priorities
Bhaker’s agenda includes greater athlete representation in decision-making, better financial opportunities, improved mental health support and stability in competition rules. She also plans to advocate for the continued inclusion of the men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event in the Olympic programme and higher prize money at ISSF World Cups. The Paris 2024 double medallist aims to contribute her experience to an athlete-centred vision for the sport.
Important Facts for Exams
- Rapid-fire strings: The ISSF 25-metre rapid-fire pistol course uses five-shot strings, with one shot assigned to each target within a time limit.
- Final-round scoring: In major rapid-fire pistol competitions, a final shot must score at least 9.7 to count as a hit; lower scores count as misses.
- World-record supervision: World records can be set only at competitions directly supervised by ISSF committees, a restriction that distinguishes these events from other contests.
