Two-time Olympic medallist nominated in the Pistol category; aims to contribute to athlete representation and the development of shooting sport globally 
New Delhi, 3 November 2026: India’s double Olympic medallist and elite shooter, Manu Bhaker, is set to contest the elections for the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Athletes Committee for the 2026–2030 term, having been nominated as a candidate in the Pistol category. Her candidature places her among 10 nominees from across the world vying for two elected positions representing the discipline.
The ISSF Athletes Committee serves as an important link between athletes and the international governing body, ensuring that the perspectives, concerns and interests of competitors are represented in discussions and decisions concerning the sport. A total of 22 athletes from 20 national member federations have been nominated across the Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun categories, with two representatives from each discipline to be elected by their fellow athletes.
For Bhaker, whose achievements have helped bring unprecedented attention to Indian shooting, the candidature represents an opportunity to contribute to the sport beyond the competition arena. Having experienced the demands of competing at the highest level, she hopes to bring an athlete-centric perspective to discussions around competition conditions, athlete welfare, sporting regulations and the overall growth of shooting.
Speaking about her candidature, Manu Bhaker said, “It is an honour to be nominated for the ISSF Athletes Committee. As athletes, we dedicate our lives to our sport, and I believe it is equally important that our experiences, perspectives and concerns are represented in the decisions that shape its future. Having competed at the highest level, I understand the challenges and expectations that come with being an international athlete. If elected, I would look forward to listening to fellow athletes, understanding their concerns and contributing constructively towards making shooting a more inclusive, athlete-friendly and progressive sport.”
The ISSF Athletes Committee plays an important role in gathering feedback from athletes, reviewing shooting sport rules and regulations, and providing recommendations to the ISSF. Its responsibilities also include working towards better training and competition conditions, supporting clean sport initiatives, promoting athlete welfare and coordinating with athlete representative bodies across the Olympic Movement.
The election will take place during the competition days of the ISSF World Championship 300m Rifle in Cairo, from 17–19 October 2026, and the ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Doha, from 3–13 November 2026. All athletes who are at least 18 years old and actively participating as athletes at either of these World Championships will be eligible to vote. Each eligible athlete can vote for a maximum of two candidates in each discipline, with a total of six candidates across the three categories.
Bhaker’s candidature adds another milestone to a career that has seen her establish herself among the leading names in international shooting. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, she became the first Indian athlete in independent India’s history to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympics, securing bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh.