India, Aug. 31 -- Three years ago, pistol shooter Esha Singh returned from the Hangzhou Asian Games with four medals -1 gold, 3 silver - and a soaring reputation.

Then 18 and at the start of what would shape into a prolific senior career, the dual-discipline shooter (10m, 25m) was remarkably equanimous in dealing with sudden fame. Standing outside Fuyang Yinhu Sports Centre in Hangzhou on a humid September afternoon shortly after claiming her first Asiad medal, Esha credited God, her father and her coach for bringing her that far. The real journey, however, was just beginning to unfold.

An Olympic debut, a clutch of World Cup medals, and a world record score in 25m event later, Esha will be among India's strongest medal bets in both her...