The president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), Raninder Singh, showered praise on the former World and Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra who had closed his brilliant shooting career with a blitzkrieg in the Rio Olympics.READ: Bindra to venture into business of Sports Science
“When any kid asks me how to become a good shooter, I say, watch Abhinav train. The focus, the dedication, the professionalism that he brings to the sport is truly one to emulate,” said Raninder Singh, as the NRAI felicitated the ace shooter on a fabulous career.
The NRAI president wished that the retirement from active shooting would only mean the beginning of an even greater professional career for the champion shooter.
The 33-year-old Abhinav, competing in his fifth Olympics, had provided a glorious finish to his career when he made an onslaught on the medals in air rifle before settling for the fourth place, as he lost the shoot-off after being tied in the elimination process.
Returning the compliments, Abhinav said that the NRAI had the scope of becoming a model federation in the world of sports.
“My talent lies in my hard work. My performance at Rio gave me a good closure. I could not have done any more. I have given my all to shooting and have got back more than what I had visualised’’, said Abhinav.
On the occasion, the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) accredited training centre was also inaugurated. The ISSF Academy is the official sport development wing of the world governing body. It runs all the coaching and sports development related courses.
Many of the leading shooters apart from the former IOC member and secretary general of the Olympic Council of Asia, Raja Randhir Singh, were present.
Abhinav Bindra was accompanied by his parents and sister, who had stood by him like a rock all through his career when he had locked himself in solitary confinement in pursuit of Olympic glory.
Abhinav will, of course, continue as the Chairman of the Athletes Commission of the ISSF till 2018.