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Manu Bhaker Clinches Senior Title at National Shooting Championships in Jalandhar

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 7:56 GMT by mykhel

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Manu Bhaker Clinches Senior Title, Simranpreet Brar Shines at Junior Nationals

The 2023 National Shooting Championships, staged in the vibrant city of Jalandhar, Punjab, delivered a flurry of excitement for India’s shooting fraternity. Amid fierce competition, senior‑level star Manu Bhaker emerged triumphant, while the event’s future promise was highlighted by the outstanding performance of junior shooter Simranpreet Brar. Both athletes’ results underscore the depth of talent nurtured by the Indian Shooting Federation and hint at a bright horizon for the nation’s Olympic ambitions.

Manu Bhaker’s Senior Victory

Manu Bhaker, who has long been one of India’s most celebrated shooters, secured the top spot in the senior 10‑meter air pistol event. The competition was a testament to her consistency and precision. In a field that included several of the country’s best—such as former Olympian Gagan Narang and rising star Abhishek Kumar—Bhaker’s final score placed her comfortably ahead of the pack.

The win is more than a personal triumph. Bhaker’s history of podium finishes at international meets, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics where she placed 15th in the women’s 10‑m air pistol, has cemented her status as a linchpin for India’s Olympic shooting team. Her current performance reaffirms her status as a role model for younger shooters and ensures her continued selection for upcoming Asian Games and World Cup fixtures.

In the final round, Bhaker’s scores hovered in the high 90s, showcasing her mastery over the event’s demanding precision. Commentators noted her calm demeanor under pressure, a quality that distinguishes the world‑class shooters of today. The victory also serves as a morale boost for the senior squad, as the federation plans to integrate her experience into coaching camps for the next generation.

Simranpreet Brar’s Junior Dominance

While Bhaker’s senior success stole the headlines, it was Simranpreet Brar, a 17‑year‑old from Punjab’s rural heartland, who stole the show for the juniors. Brar captured gold in the 10‑meter air pistol junior category, achieving a score that edged out her nearest competitors by a clear margin.

Brar’s rise has been a story of perseverance. Beginning her training at a local club in 2015, she quickly progressed through state-level competitions before breaking into the national circuit. Her victory at the National Championships is her first senior‑level medal, signaling her readiness to transition into more elite competitions. She is slated to represent India at the upcoming Junior World Championships, where she will face the continent’s top talent.

In addition to the gold, Brar also displayed commendable performances in the 25‑meter pistol event, securing a respectable podium finish. Analysts credit her disciplined approach to training and her mental fortitude—attributes often refined in the rigorous regimen followed by the federation’s junior program.

The Bigger Picture

The championships were held at the Jalandhar Shooting Complex, a venue that has hosted numerous national and international meets over the past decade. The Indian Shooting Federation used the event as a platform to gauge the country’s readiness for the next Olympic cycle, especially the Paris 2024 Games. With the selection trials for the national team still looming, performances like Bhaker’s and Brar’s are critical indicators of who might carry India’s flag in Paris.

The event was not only about individual glory; it also highlighted the success of the federation’s grassroots initiatives. The Junior Category, in particular, was marked by a growing number of participants—over 200 across ten disciplines—indicating that the talent pipeline remains robust. The federation’s emphasis on science‑backed training, nutrition, and psychological support is already paying dividends.

Furthermore, the championships served as a platform for other notable shooters. Senior athletes such as Vikas Yadav (10‑m air rifle) and Shreyas Kumar (25‑m rapid fire pistol) posted personal bests, signalling their form for international duties. The inclusion of women's and men's events across air and small‑bore categories ensured a comprehensive assessment of India’s shooting depth.

Looking Ahead

As the nation celebrates these victories, the focus now shifts to the upcoming selection trials for the Paris 2024 Olympics and the Junior World Championships. Manu Bhaker’s senior title confirms her as a linchpin for the senior squad, while Simranpreet Brar’s junior triumph heralds a new era of young talent ready to take on the world stage.

The Indian Shooting Federation’s commitment to nurturing talent from grassroots to elite levels has already borne fruit, and the National Championships have once again demonstrated that India’s shooting future is bright. The achievements of Bhaker and Brar, coupled with the performances of their peers, position the country for a strong showing in the coming international competitions and reassert India’s stature as a formidable force in the sport.