Bindra still needs some time to recharge batteries

It's been almost three months since rifle shooter Abhinav Bindra became India's first individual gold-medallist. The excitement and euphoria have died down --- both for the public and for Bindra himself, reports Sahil Sharma.

It's been almost three months since rifle shooter Abhinav Bindra became India's first individual gold-medallist. The excitement and euphoria have died down --- both for the public and for Bindra himself. "It's been very hectic for the past two months, with all the felicitation and the awards. Now I have some time to relax and think about the future," says Bindra, who will soon be publishing a book on the technicalities of shooting.

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After the Beijing Olympics, Bindra is still to get back to competitive shooting --- he recently skipped the World Cup Finals in Bangkok and might also miss the Nationals in Kerala. "My batteries are exhausted… they have just been plugged for recharging. I have to find the motivation to compete now," he says.

Having achieved Olympic glory, the shooter is now utilising his spare time to take a call on his future. Any plans of retiring? "An Olympic gold is the pinnacle for any athlete; you work all your life for that gold. I have now achieved that and will be thinking about various options," he says.

With the 2008 season almost over, Bindra says he is looking forward to the international schedule next year and decide on the options.

On whether compatriot Gagan Narang shooting down the world record in the World Cup Final could be a motivating factor for Bindra coming back into competitive shooting soon?

“There are many tournaments in shooting, but the Olympics are of utmost importance. He still needs time to think, relax and look for a challenge,” said Heinz Reinkemeier, Bindra's technical trainer.