New Delhi, Nov 3: India’s double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker has been nominated to contest the elections for the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Athletes Committee for the 2026–2030 term in the Pistol category.

Bhaker is among 10 candidates competing for two elected positions in the discipline. She has outlined an athlete-focused agenda aimed at improving shooting sports and ensuring better representation, welfare and career opportunities for competitors across the world.

Drawing from her experience at the international level, the 24-year-old believes athletes should have a greater say in decisions concerning the sport. Her priorities include improving competition conditions, ensuring financial security, strengthening mental health support and providing athletes with a more direct channel to communicate their concerns to the sport's governing body.

One of the key issues she intends to take up is protecting the Men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event and ensuring its continued presence in the Olympic programme. She also wants greater consistency in technical regulations across Olympic cycles so that shooters can prepare without uncertainty over changing rules.

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Bhaker has further proposed better prize money at ISSF World Cups and exploring commercial opportunities through more television-friendly competition formats to attract broadcasters and sponsors.

Her agenda also includes expanding the sport's reach through social media and digital platforms. On athlete welfare, she has called for a confidential grievance redressal system, stronger sports psychology programmes and designated quiet zones at international competitions.

She also wants the ISSF to focus on athletes' lives beyond competitive shooting by creating better financial security measures and career-transition opportunities after retirement.

Expressing her gratitude over the nomination, Bhaker said athletes should be active participants in shaping the future of their sport rather than merely competing in it. She emphasised the need for greater stability in competition rules, improved financial opportunities and stronger welfare mechanisms.

The elections will be held during the ISSF World Championship 300m Rifle in Cairo from November 3–13, 2026, alongside the ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Doha from November 3–13, 2026. Athletes aged 18 and above participating in either championship will be eligible to vote, with each voter allowed to select up to two candidates in each discipline.

Bhaker's nomination adds to her achievements in Indian shooting. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, she became the first Indian athlete in independent India's history to win two medals at a single edition of the Games. She secured bronze medals in the women's 10m Air Pistol and the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. (With ANI inputs)