New Delhi, November 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker has been nominated to contest the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Athletes Committee elections for the 2026–2030 term in the Pistol category.
The elections will be held during the ISSF World Championship 300m Rifle in Cairo from October 17–19 and the ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Doha from November 3–13. Athletes aged 18 and above competing at either championship will be eligible to vote. Each voter can select up to two candidates in each discipline.
Bhaker is among 10 candidates competing for two elected positions in the Pistol category. She said athletes should have a stronger role in decisions shaping the future of the sport.
“Having competed at the highest level, I have experienced first-hand both the opportunities and challenges that come with being an international athlete. I believe that athletes should not just be participants in the sport but also active voices in shaping its future.
“My vision is to work towards greater stability in competition rules, better financial and commercial opportunities, stronger athlete welfare systems and a more accessible platform for athletes to raise their concerns. I want to contribute towards building an environment where athletes feel heard, supported and secure, both during and beyond their sporting careers,” she said.
Her priorities include safeguarding the Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event in the Olympic programme, ensuring greater stability in technical rules, improving prize money at ISSF World Cups and creating commercial opportunities through television-friendly competition formats.
Bhaker also plans to promote shooting through social media and digital platforms, strengthen athlete representation and propose a secure, confidential grievance mechanism. Her agenda includes better mental health support, sports psychology programmes, designated quiet zones at events and career-transition pathways for retired athletes.
The ISSF Athletes Committee acts as a link between competitors and the sport’s international governing body. It gathers athlete feedback, advises on rules and regulations, promotes better competition conditions and welfare, and supports clean sport.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Bhaker became the first Indian athlete in independent India’s history to win two medals at a single edition of the Games. She secured bronze in the women’s 10m Air Pistol and the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event alongside Sarabjot Singh.
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