Report: Abhinav Bindra, Mansher Singh roped in as NRAI mentors ahead of Paris Olympics 2024

Published at :December 9, 2023 at 4:59 PM

Modified at :December 14, 2023 at 10:30 AM

(Courtesy : Rediff.com)

Bindra will be guiding Air Pistol and Rifle teams.

In a significant move to uplift the performance of Indian shooters in the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has officially appointed Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, as a mentor. Abhinav will be guiding the air pistol and rifle teams till the end of the Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11.

Shooting has been a significant contributor to India’s Olympic success, accounting for four of the country’s 35 Olympic medals. This includes the historic gold medal won by Abhinav Bindra in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, the last two Olympic Games – Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 – saw Indian shooters return empty-handed.

Recognizing this, the NRAI has strategically appointed accomplished shooters, including Bindra and Mansher Singh, as mentors. This initiative is aimed at leveraging their expertise to enhance the performance of Indian shooters in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics and restore India’s standing in the sport at the international level..

Abhinav Bindra, who hasn’t officially travelled with the team so far, has been focusing on imparting his game-time, coaching, and technical knowledge to air pistol and rifle shooters through online sessions. His expertise and experience are expected to be invaluable in preparing the team for the challenges ahead.

In addition to Bindra, four-time Olympian trap shooter, Mansher Singh, has also been brought on board as a mentor to train the shotgun team. Singh has already started accompanying the shotgun shooters to exposure trips and competitions.

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“We have asked Abhinav Bindra to be the mentor of our pistol and rifle teams. He was kind enough to accept the role and expressed positive interest. He was part of the Asian Games committee and he is committed to take permission from the Delhi High Court for the same (Paris Olympics) to avoid conflict of interest charges. He has been guiding the shooters through virtual means and helping them prepare for Paris,” NRAI acting president Kalikeshyayan Singh Deo told Times of India.

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