New Delhi: “Look at yourself in the mirror before going to bed and ask yourself, 'Did I give my best?'” This was what Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra said during an interactive session here on Sunday. This is for shooters aiming to excel at the upcoming Paris Games.
During the session, India's first individual Olympic gold medalist answered questions and shared his experiences about competing on the grandest stage of the sport.
The session was held at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range as the team entered the crucial final three months of preparation.
Bindra reminded the team that “success is not a one-time event.”
“Doing the right thing consistently every day will lead to success,” he advised the team.
In response to a question about how to stay disciplined, Bindra said, “You have to be brutally honest with yourself and look at yourself in the mirror every day before you go to bed and ask yourself, “I want to look my best.'' “Have I done my best? If the answer is yes,” he said. You'll see that you get results in the end. ”
India secured a total of 19 spots in shooting at the Paris Olympics in rifle, pistol and shotgun events, the highest ever.
The session was organized by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) ahead of the first batch of shooters departing later in the day to test equipment in Europe.
In addition to the three women's air pistol and shotgun teams competing in the final Olympic qualifiers in Rio and Doha, respectively, three such teams will depart one after another in April.
Later in April, the first of four national Olympic selection trials for rifle and pistol shooters are scheduled at the same venue. This will be the first time a nationwide trial has been held solely for the purpose of selecting Olympic rifle and pistol athletes.
When asked what advice he would give to young Abhinav if he went back in time, he surprised everyone by saying, “I strongly believe that I am not living up to my full potential. I wish I had more balance in my life and had other hobbies. My pursuits have almost dehumanized me. ” he recalled.
“I would tell myself to be kinder to myself. I think I didn't pat myself on the back too much after I achieved the goal I was trying to achieve. Then when I got back, I would have been more kind to myself. I think I'll recover well.'' “Go to the shooting range and compete to become mentally stronger. If you have some pillars in life, your foundation will be stronger,'' he said.
Smallbore coach Manoj Kumar asked what tools he had developed to combat Olympic expectations, but the champion replied, “You have to be more aware as a shooter. We have to acknowledge change.''
Regarding specific preparations for the Beijing Olympics, he said: “You know, by that time it was my fourth Olympics, but I was able to completely detach myself from the results.”
“I was completely focused on the process. I wanted to give my all to each shot. I never thought about winning or losing. I managed to stay in the moment because the truth is in the moment.” he said.
He concluded by asking shooters not to practice to get better in practice, but to practice to get better in competition.
He never went into his comfort zone during training, always challenging himself and pushing himself to make it more difficult.
This session was coordinated by Team High Performance Director Pierre Beauchamp. National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) Secretary General Sultan Singh was also present.
(issued March 31, 2024, 13:44 IST)
