Shooting has been a sore spot for Indians in the last two Olympics, where they have returned without any medals, despite shining at all the other events. Now it looks like the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) is not willing to take a chance at Paris 2024 and face another debacle. For the same, they have got onboard, Beijing Olympics gold medalist Abhinav Bindra as the mentor, as per a report in The Hindu.
Bindra too has accepted the offer, free of cost. “I do have agreed to share my knowledge pro bono (free of cost), when offered to play the role as a professional. I don’t have a day-to-day role to play in the preparation of the shooters. Already the team has enough experts in terms of national coaches, foreign coaches, High-performance Directors (HPD), physios, sports scientists, psychologists, etc. It may be counterproductive to have another expert. However, I will share my knowledge and discuss any specific point, when sought”, said Abhinav.
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The former shooter also made it clear, he would be the first one to help, if someone comes to him, be it a shooter or a coach. “Similarly if a coach wants to clarify something, I am happy to help. If the HPD wants any advice from my end, I will be happy to respond. Also, if the NRAI wants to discuss anything, I am happy to give my time, thoughts and share my point of view”, said Abhinav.
“I am always more than happy to help, in an open and humble manner, when sought”, he added. But also, he made it amply clear that he doesn’t want a full-time role. “It is not my calling, nor can I do justice by being involved full-time with the preparation of the shooters, day in and day out. Being occupied with so many things, I don’t have the time.”
