Manu Bhaker to contest ISSF elections, bats for better prize money, athlete welfare

India's double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker is in the race for a seat on the ISSF Athletes Committee, promising to push for better prize money, stable rules, stronger athlete welfare and greater financial security for shooters.Manu Bhaker to contest for a seat on the ISSF Athletes Committee (Image: PTI)New Delhi,Nov 3, 2026 14:49 ISTIndia's double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker is set to contest the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Athletes Committee elections for the 2026-2030 term after being nominated as a candidate in the Pistol category. One of 10 candidates vying for two elected positions in the discipline, the 24-year-old has outlined an athlete-centric agenda focused on improving competition conditions, financial opportunities and welfare systems for shooters across the world.Having experienced the demands of competing at the highest level, Manu believes athletes should have a greater say in decisions that shape the future of their sport. Her proposed agenda covers several aspects of an athlete's journey, from the stability of competition rules and commercial opportunities to mental health support and career security beyond retirement.One of her key priorities is to safeguard the Men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event and secure its long-term future in the Olympic programme. She also wants greater stability in technical rules across Olympic cycles, allowing athletes to prepare with more consistency and confidence.Manu has also identified the need to improve the financial landscape of shooting. She plans to push for better prize money at ISSF World Cups and explore commercial opportunities through television-friendly competition formats that could attract broadcasters and sponsors, while creating greater value for athletes.WHAT MANU BHAKER WANTS TO CHANGEProtecting Olympic events: Safeguarding the Men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event and advocating for its continued presence in the Olympic programme.Stability in rules: Pushing for greater consistency in technical regulations across Olympic cycles to help athletes prepare without frequent changes.Better financial opportunities: Seeking improved prize money at ISSF World Cups and exploring commercial avenues to enhance athletes' earnings.Taking shooting to new audiences: Using social media and digital platforms, alongside more television-friendly 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 leadership. She has also proposed a secure and confidential grievance redressal mechanism.Mental health and well-being: Advocating stronger sports psychology programmes and designated quiet zones at ISSF events to support athletes' mental well-being.Career security after retirement: Pushing for practical financial security measures and career-transition pathways to help shooters build sustainable lives beyond competitive sport.Speaking about her candidature, Manu said she wanted athletes to be active voices in shaping the future of shooting rather than merely participants in the sport."It is an honour to be nominated for the ISSF Athletes Committee. 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 just be participants in the sport but also active voices in shaping its future," she said. The ISSF Athletes Committee acts as a link between competitors and the sport's governing body. Its responsibilities include gathering athlete feedback, advising on rules and regulations, improving competition conditions, advocating athlete welfare and promoting clean sport.The elections will be held during the ISSF World Championship 300m Rifle in Cairo (October 17-19) and the ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Doha (November 3-13). Athletes aged 18 and above competing at either championship will be eligible to vote. Each eligible shooter can vote for up to two candidates in each discipline.Manu's candidature adds another chapter to an already historic career. 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, claiming bronze in the women's 10m Air Pistol and the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team e- Ends