The Mind Game Behind the Medal

Hyderabad shooter Esha Singh battled fatigue, pressure and self-doubt to clinch silver in the women’s 25m pistol final at the Asian Games. Every shot tested her composure and technical skill, underlining the importance of trusting her preparation, managing expectations and staying focused. Her mother’s tough love also helped her reset. “I think I needed that scolding. I was looking for sympathy and got a lecture. She basically told me to shut up and sleep,” Esha recalls.

“The final was intense, with several shoot-offs, and every shot was important. I knew I had to stay focused and take it one shot at a time,” she says. Esha relied on her breathing, routine and execution to remain composed. Though proud of her performance, she admits that narrowly missing gold left her reflecting on what more she could have done. “Every athlete wants to win gold… But I fought hard in a challenging final and gave it my best. The silver is valuable, and I will use this experience to become stronger.” The experience reinforced her belief that a medal is a milestone, not a measure of her limits.

Esha’s preparation has become more structured, with greater emphasis on consistency. Alongside technical training, she focused on match simulations, recovery, physical conditioning and mental readiness. “The biggest challenge was managing expectations while balancing preparation and recovery. I realised that patience and focus are just as important as skill,” she says. Breathing exercises, visualisation and a pre-shot routine help her manage pressure and stay in the moment. “You cannot think too far ahead or focus on the result. You have to stay in the present and trust your process.” The repeated shoot-offs also tested her endurance and concentration, revealing areas to work on before her next major event. “I want to become more consistent in critical moments, recover better between series and maintain my focus through a long final,” she says.

Esha’s family, coach and support team shared her joy, having supported her through both triumphs and setbacks. “My coach, Ronak Pandit, has played a major role in my development and taught me how to handle pressure. My parents, Sachin Singh and Srilatha Singh, have always believed in me. I am grateful for their constant support.”

Their encouragement, she says, has helped her focus on continuous improvement rather than being defined by a single result.

Esha hopes her achievement inspires more girls in Telangana and across India to take up shooting and pursue sport seriously. Hyderabad’s sporting culture and growing opportunities, she believes, can help young athletes aim higher. “Sport teaches you passion, discipline, patience and hard work. Girls should believe in themselves, dream big and make use of the opportunities available to them.” She also calls for greater investment in facilities, coaching and international exposure for women shooters, along with stronger support in sports science, physiotherapy, mental wellness, injury management and access to competitions. “Women athletes need equal encouragement and resources to perform at the highest level,” she says.

The silver has strengthened Esha’s confidence competing against Asia’s best, but she is already looking ahead. Her immediate priority is to analyse her performance, address gaps and build consistency in upcoming competitions. “I take things step by step. One result cannot define the journey. My biggest dream is to win an Olympic medal, and I know that requires daily commitment, patience and continuous improvement.” For Esha, the Asian Games podium is another step towards that ambition. She remains grateful to her coaches, family, support staff, the federation and everyone who has backed her. “This medal belongs to all of them. I will continue to learn, work hard and represent India with greater confidence.” The silver is a milestone and a reminder that composure is built long before the final shot. Sometimes, the words that help an athlete move forward are not the ones she expects to hear.

I take things step by step. One result cannot define the journey. My biggest dream is to win an Olympic medal, and I know that requires daily commitment, patience and continuous improvement.

“I see this medal not as the destination, but as another important step in my journey.

“The repeated shoot-offs tested my endurance, concentration and ability to stay calm.

“I can remain competitive even when the situation becomes physically and mentally exhausting.