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Bindra walks away amid emotional scenes
NEW DELHI: India’s sole individual Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra said it was time to move on as he officially called time on his career.
NEW DELHI: India’s sole individual Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra said it was time to move on as he officially called time on his career.
Speaking at his felicitation ceremony organised by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on Sunday, Bindra said, “Many people ask me why I am retiring. I have many more years left before I need to go they say. I answer them it is time to move on and pass on the baton to the next generation.” He added his performance at the Rio Olympics, which was his fifth Games since Sydney 2000, was a fitting way to end the career. “Last month in Rio I came fourth, but my performance gave me great closure. I know I did everything possible in Rio, I put my absolute best. I could have done nothing more and knowing that gives me huge satisfaction. It is a wonderful way to close my career of two decades,” he said.
Asked what he would do next, Bindra said: “I am involved in business, trying to bring food on the table. Health and fitness, something on the medical side. I am also trying to do something on high performance of sports science.”
While Bindra showed little emotion, many of his former teammates were moved. Suma Shirur, Bindra’s friend and who trained with him for over ten years, said she hoped he would return. “I am hoping against hope that he returns. But I know it may not happen,” said Suma.
Apurvi Chandela, who picked up the gun after watching Bindra win gold in Beijing, said his retirement would leave a huge void. “It has been a privilege to shoot with him. We all looked up to him and shooting will not be the same anymore. But I’m happy that he wants to stay connected with the sport in some way,” said Apurvi, who was part of the shooting team with Bindra in Rio.
Veteran trap shooter Mansher Singh, who was Bindra’s roommate in Beijing and other international tours, said it was a sad day. “His absence will be felt. It was the right call from him to walk away. He gave it his all. I hope the government and NRAI give him some responsibility to help shooting grow further.”
Double trap shooter Ronjan Sodhi felt Bindra was right to walk away. “He has practiced harder than most in this room. He did that for 20 years. It is time for him to take a breath. I wish him all the best,” said Ronjan.
