I have to start it all over again: Bindra

During the press conference in the evening,he,however,was his usual self — one who has his feet firmly on the ground despite reaching the pinnacle of his sport. It was surprising to hear him saying that he would have to start it all over again.

“Gold medal in Olympics was the barrier. Had I won silver or a bronze,there would have been more success to vie for. But having reached the pinnacle,it will be a completely new beginning now. However,this year is a rest year in shooting calendar with no Olympic qualification for us,” Bindra said.

Next year,however is going to be very busy for all the top level shooters. And there will be the Commonwealth Games.

The Olympic and world champion in 10m air rifle is also thinking about competing in a different event. “I may do a little adventure and compete in another event though the 10m air rifle remains my No. 1 choice. I have trained in other events before and am considering giving it another shot,” Bindra said.

On his expectation he said: “I don’t expect much at the moment. I have achieved the goal I’ve pursued for 15 years. Whatever,I get from now on will be a bonus.”

Then he turned philosophical and said: “In loss you learn a lot more. When you win there are not many aspects you can take it from. I had a goal,I just pursued it,and I followed the path that will get me there. I was just caught on to the sport. It’s all about channelising the energy.”

Asked about his take on the national game,a debate raised by the former Indian cricket captain Tiger Pataudi,the sharpshooter observed: “It really doesn’t matter what the national sport is as long as there is improvement in the overall sporting standards. One cannot expect a marked improvement overnight. It will always take some time. But I do believe that in our endeavour to be one of the developed countries by 2020,rise in the sporting standard is imperative.”