We need to empower our coaches: Abhinav Bindra
The 2008 Beijing gold medallist in 10 metre air rifle also asked the government to look after the development at the grassroot level.
Mumbai: Former shooter Abhinav Bindra continued his support for better sports infrastructure at the grassroot level in India, on Tuesday.
India’s only individual Olympic gold medallist, Bindra stressed that improvement right from the bottom of the pyramid is the only way the country will get returns at the highest level.
“We lack grassroot level programmes, where young people are encouraged and given adequate facilities; they are given the adequate know-how,” said Bindra.
“If we set up a strong grassroot programme, then only we will be able to get the sort of success we aspire to achieve. If you set up a strong base, that allows our athletes to build a strong foundation and it will help us to grow and get many more champions,” added the ace shooter.
The 2008 Beijing gold medallist in 10 metre air rifle also asked the government to look after the development at the grassroot level.
“The government of India is doing good work in helping to fund the training of each athlete, but the funding still needs to infiltrate down to grassroots level,” the veteran suggested adding that it’s equally important to invest in India coaches.
On December 1, Bindra is set to announce the launch of a high performance centre in Chandigarh. The one-of-a-kind centre will help athletes assess their performances as well as train. Bindra added that India is far behind in using technology and science to improve performance.