Abhinav Bindra, the 2008 Beijing Olympics air rifle gold medallist has always been upbeat about India’s shooters. Even when the Indians were unable to win medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he finished fourth and signed off, and at the Tokyo Olympics, Bindra was always positive about the talent, passion and depth in Indian shooting. Post retirement, Bindra has kept himself busy at various levels, as Vice-Chair of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Athletes Commission besides being IOC Mental Health Ambassador, but continues to follow Indian sports closely.

In an exclusive chat with mid-day, Bindra, who will soon receive the country’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, opened up on the performance of India’s shooters at the World Championship that concluded in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday. India (three gold, six silver, four bronze) finished an impressive third in the medals tally, behind China (12 gold, seven silver, two bronze) and South Korea (seven gold, three silver, four bronze).
 
Edited excerpts from the interview