Manu Bhaker to contest ISSF election bats for better prize money sports welfare

India’s two-time Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker will contest the 2026-2030 International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) Athletes’ Committee elections after being nominated as a candidate in the Pistol category. One of 10 candidates running for two elected seats in the discipline, the 24-year-old outlined an athlete-focused agenda aimed at improving competitive conditions, financial opportunities and welfare systems for shooters worldwide.

Having experienced the demands of competing at the highest level, Manu believes that athletes should have a greater say in the decisions that shape the future of their sport. Her proposed agenda covers several aspects of an athlete’s journey, from stability of competition rules and commercial opportunities to mental health promotion and career security after retirement.

One of its key priorities is to secure the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol and secure its long-term future in the Olympic programme. He also wants more stability in technical rules across Olympic cycles, allowing athletes to prepare with more consistency and confidence.

Manu also identified the need to improve the financial situation of shooting. It plans to push for better prize money at the ISSF World Cups and explore commercial opportunities through televised competition formats that could attract broadcasters and sponsors while creating more value for athletes.

WHAT MANU BHAKER WANT TO CHANGE

Protecting Olympic events: Safeguarding the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event and advocating for its continued presence in the Olympic program.
Rule stability: Promoting greater consistency in technical regulations across Olympic cycles so that athletes can prepare without frequent changes.
Better financial opportunities: Seeking better prize money at ISSF World Cups and exploring commercial avenues to increase athletes’ earnings.
Bringing shooting to new audiences: Using social media and digital platforms, along with more televised competition formats, to expand the sport’s global appeal.
Stronger Athlete Representation: Creating accessible channels through which competitors can communicate their concerns directly to ISSF management. It also proposed a secure and confidential grievance redressal mechanism.
Mental health and well-being: Advocating for stronger sport psychology programs and designated quiet zones at ISSF events to support athletes’ mental well-being.
Career Security After Retirement: Promoting practical financial security measures and career transition pathways to help shooters build a sustainable life outside of competitive sport.

Speaking about her candidacy, Manu said she wants athletes to be active voices in shaping the future of shooting, not just participants in the sport.

“It is an honor to be nominated to the ISSF Athletes’ Commission. 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 only be participants in this sport, but also active voices in shaping its future,” she said.

The ISSF Athletes’ Committee acts as a link between the athletes and the sport’s governing body. Its responsibilities include gathering feedback from athletes, advising on rules and regulations, improving competition conditions, advocating for athlete welfare and promoting clean sport.

Elections will be held during the ISSF 300m World Championships in Cairo (17-19 October) and the ISSF World Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun Championships in Doha (3-13 November). Athletes aged 18 and over competing at any championship will be eligible to vote. Each eligible shooter may vote for up to two candidates in each discipline.

Manu’s candidacy adds another chapter to an already storied career. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she became the first Indian athlete in the history of independent India to win two medals in a single edition of the Games, winning bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and mixed team 10m air pistol e.

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