India's double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker will contest the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Athletes Committee elections for the 2026–2030 term after being nominated in the pistol category, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) announced on Tuesday.
Bhaker is among the candidates seeking two elected positions representing the pistol discipline on the committee, which serves as a link between international shooters and the sport's governing body.
The Indian shooter has outlined an athlete-centric agenda focused on improving competition conditions, financial opportunities, mental health support and long-term career security for competitors worldwide.
According to the NRAI, Bhaker believes athletes should have a stronger voice in decisions affecting their careers and the future development of shooting.
𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆, 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
One of Bhaker's key priorities is safeguarding the men's 25m rapid-fire pistol event and ensuring its continued inclusion in the Olympic programme.
She also intends to advocate greater stability in technical regulations across Olympic cycles, allowing shooters to prepare for major competitions without frequent changes to rules.
Improving financial opportunities for athletes forms another important part of her agenda.
Bhaker plans to push for higher prize money at ISSF World Cups and explore commercial opportunities through television-friendly competition formats that could attract broadcasters and sponsors.
She also wants to use social media and digital platforms to expand shooting's global audience and increase the sport's commercial appeal.
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀
Bhaker has proposed establishing a secure and confidential grievance redressal mechanism through which shooters can raise concerns and seek timely resolution.
Her proposals also include stronger mental health support through sports psychology programmes and designated quiet zones at ISSF competitions.
Beyond competitive careers, she intends to advocate financial security and career-transition opportunities to help athletes establish sustainable livelihoods after retirement.
"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," Bhaker said.
"I believe that athletes should not just be participants in the sport but also active voices in shaping its future," she added.
The shooter said she wanted to contribute towards creating an environment where athletes felt heard, supported and secure during and beyond their sporting careers.
𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗵𝗮
The ISSF Athletes Committee comprises six elected representatives, with two each from the rifle, pistol and shotgun disciplines.
A total of 22 candidates from 20 national federations have been nominated for the 2026–2030 term.
The election process began during the ISSF World Championship 300m Rifle in Cairo from October 17 to 19, while the second voting period opened on November 3 during the ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Doha and will continue until November 13.
Eligible athletes aged 18 or above who are participating in either championship can vote online, selecting up to two candidates from each discipline.
𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
Bhaker's candidature marks another milestone in her shooting career following her historic performance 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 event and another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team competition alongside Sarabjot Singh.
The ISSF Athletes Committee is responsible for gathering competitors' feedback, advising on competition rules and regulations, advocating athlete welfare and promoting clean sport.
If elected, Bhaker would serve as one of the pistol discipline's representatives on the committee for the next four years.