What are the chances that two world-class shooters, both armed with nerves of steel and a perfect aim, would hail from the same dusty lanes of Jhajjar in Haryana, train at the same academy, and go on to share the podium at a world stage? If you’re Suruchi Singh, apparently, they’re pretty high.
At just 18, Suruchi Singh is rewriting the script of Indian shooting with a thrilling narrative that mirrors the rise of none other than two-time Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker. And in a poetic twist, the young prodigy has now stepped out from the shadows of her celebrated hometown senior — and into the spotlight with back-to-back World Cup golds and a recent national title.
From Backyard Ranges to Global Glory
Suruchi first caught national attention when she clinched the senior national title in the 10m air pistol event, dominating a field packed with stars like Rhythm Sangwan, Palak, and Sainyam. While Manu Bhaker — fresh from her double bronze at the Paris Olympics — sat out the Nationals, Suruchi shot a jaw-dropping 243.6 in the final, leaving everyone else trailing, including defending champ Sangwan.
And that was just the start.
This week, at the ISSF World Cup in Lima, Peru, Suruchi once again turned heads by winning her second consecutive gold in the senior category — this time, by beating none other than Manu Bhaker herself. Scoring 243.6 to Manu’s 242.3, Suruchi not only claimed the top spot but also sent a powerful message: the new queen of Indian shooting may have just arrived.
Different Paths, Same Fire
Though their journeys started in the same academy, Suruchi has since carved her own path, training in Bhiwani and switching coaches two years ago. The decision, she says, brought renewed focus. “I changed my coach, and now I’m more centred in the lane,” she reflected after her Nationals win, flanked by her proud father and mentor.
Her coach, Suresh Singh, believes it's Suruchi’s fearless mindset that gives her the edge. “We worked on technique, timing — but her confidence under pressure sets her apart. She rises when others fold,” he said.
A Rising Star with Her Own Orbit
While many see shades of Manu in Suruchi’s rise, the teenager insists she’s inspired, not overshadowed. “Manu’s journey is inspiring. But I want to chart my own course,” she said, after clinching a junior national title in the same meet — her second of the day.
With medals stacking up and her performances catching fire, Suruchi’s rapid rise is not just a feel-good coincidence — it’s a testament to the shooting culture brewing in Jhajjar, and a signal that Indian shooting’s future is in steady, ambitious hands.
Saurabh Chaudhary Makes a Comeback
In other Indian shooting highlights, Saurabh Chaudhary broke a three-year drought with a bronze in the men’s 10m air pistol at Lima. His score of 219.1 placed him behind China’s Hu Kai and Brazil’s Felipe Wu. It was a return to form for the ace shooter, who also won a bronze in Buenos Aires alongside Suruchi in the mixed team event.
India’s Shooting Scene Is Heating Up
As the countdown to future global tournaments begins, one thing’s clear: India’s shooting lineup isn’t just deep — it’s dynamic. And at the centre of it all, Suruchi Singh is emerging not just as Manu Bhaker’s hometown successor, but as her most thrilling rival yet.
At just 18, Suruchi Singh is rewriting the script of Indian shooting with a thrilling narrative that mirrors the rise of none other than two-time Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker. And in a poetic twist, the young prodigy has now stepped out from the shadows of her celebrated hometown senior — and into the spotlight with back-to-back World Cup golds and a recent national title.
From Backyard Ranges to Global Glory
Suruchi first caught national attention when she clinched the senior national title in the 10m air pistol event, dominating a field packed with stars like Rhythm Sangwan, Palak, and Sainyam. While Manu Bhaker — fresh from her double bronze at the Paris Olympics — sat out the Nationals, Suruchi shot a jaw-dropping 243.6 in the final, leaving everyone else trailing, including defending champ Sangwan.
And that was just the start.
This week, at the ISSF World Cup in Lima, Peru, Suruchi once again turned heads by winning her second consecutive gold in the senior category — this time, by beating none other than Manu Bhaker herself. Scoring 243.6 to Manu’s 242.3, Suruchi not only claimed the top spot but also sent a powerful message: the new queen of Indian shooting may have just arrived.
Two of India's best go head-to-head, with Inder Singh Suruchi beating Manu Bhaker to gold! 🇮🇳🥇#ISSF #ISSFWorldCup #ShootingSports pic.twitter.com/VYi07cGcCM
— ISSF (@issf_official) April 15, 2025
Different Paths, Same Fire
Though their journeys started in the same academy, Suruchi has since carved her own path, training in Bhiwani and switching coaches two years ago. The decision, she says, brought renewed focus. “I changed my coach, and now I’m more centred in the lane,” she reflected after her Nationals win, flanked by her proud father and mentor.
Her coach, Suresh Singh, believes it's Suruchi’s fearless mindset that gives her the edge. “We worked on technique, timing — but her confidence under pressure sets her apart. She rises when others fold,” he said.
The future is NOW! 🇮🇳🥇
— ISSF (@issf_official) April 16, 2025
Inder Singh Suruchi is lighting up the World Cup.#ISSF #ISSFWorldCup #ShootingSports pic.twitter.com/QmsrAc0ie5
A Rising Star with Her Own Orbit
While many see shades of Manu in Suruchi’s rise, the teenager insists she’s inspired, not overshadowed. “Manu’s journey is inspiring. But I want to chart my own course,” she said, after clinching a junior national title in the same meet — her second of the day.
With medals stacking up and her performances catching fire, Suruchi’s rapid rise is not just a feel-good coincidence — it’s a testament to the shooting culture brewing in Jhajjar, and a signal that Indian shooting’s future is in steady, ambitious hands.
Saurabh Chaudhary Makes a Comeback
In other Indian shooting highlights, Saurabh Chaudhary broke a three-year drought with a bronze in the men’s 10m air pistol at Lima. His score of 219.1 placed him behind China’s Hu Kai and Brazil’s Felipe Wu. It was a return to form for the ace shooter, who also won a bronze in Buenos Aires alongside Suruchi in the mixed team event.
Saurabh Chaudhary wins Bronze in 10m air pistol at ISSF World Cup, Lima
— ESPN India (@ESPNIndia) April 15, 2025
Congratulations! 👏 pic.twitter.com/7ag92987e4
India’s Shooting Scene Is Heating Up
As the countdown to future global tournaments begins, one thing’s clear: India’s shooting lineup isn’t just deep — it’s dynamic. And at the centre of it all, Suruchi Singh is emerging not just as Manu Bhaker’s hometown successor, but as her most thrilling rival yet.
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