ISSF World Cup Buenos Aires: Abhinav Bindra Backs Manu Bhaker for Long and Successful Olympic Journey | Exclusive

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It was a long flight from New Delhi to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the Indian shooting contingent. Unlike earlier days, when teams would land abroad just a few days before an important assignment, this time, the shooters and coaches reached Southern America well in time to prepare for the ISSF World Cup 2025, starting on April 1.

The cream of shooting from around the world will compete in the World Cup, where 15 events featuring over 400 shooters will be held in shotgun, pistol, and rifle events.

From an Indian point of view, slipping into the next Olympics cycle is important. The first will be the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, in 2026. From there, the Indian shooters will hope to maximise and secure quota places which can be clinched before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

It may seem a long way off, but one sport in India which has prepared hard and methodically is shooting. After all, three medals from the Paris 2024 Olympics have been defining, where Manu Bhaker won two medals and finished fourth in the sports pistol event.

Some of the shooters who failed in the previous cycle have also bounced back for India. So, the churn and mix will go on, with trials held by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) proving to be effective.

One man who has been part of Indian shooting with immense dedication is 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist, Abhinav Bindra. To have featured in five Olympics, competing fiercely, Bindra has been the epitome of dedication, passion and what it is to slog every single day.

His methods were harsh, on himself, but it worked. Had it not been for a streak of bad luck, he could have even won a medal in his last Olympics in Rio in 2016. Bindra finished fourth in the air rifle event.

In a chat with myKhel, Abhinav Bindra opened up on how Indian shooting is shaping up. Obviously, myKhel engaged him on the queen of Indian shooting, Manu Bhaker.

Question: Manu Bhaker has returned to training. Do you think she can go through multiple Olympic cycles? You did it, and it requires an enormous amount of sacrifice and hard work. Your thoughts on it?

Abhinav Bindra: I don't view it as a sacrifice; it's about making choices. Elite sport demands unwavering commitment, and athletes dedicate themselves to their craft because they love it. Longevity in sport requires continuous adaptation -- physically, mentally, and emotionally. With the right support system, structured planning, and an intrinsic drive to evolve, there is no reason why Manu or any other dedicated athlete cannot sustain excellence across multiple Olympic cycles.

Question: How can the fresh bunch of Indian shooters be nurtured to achieve more consistency?

Abhinav Bindra: Consistency is a journey that requires sustained effort across multiple dimensions. There is no magic formula, it takes a combination of structured training, psychological conditioning, proper recovery, and a strong support system. Holistic development is key, focusing not just on technical skills but also on mental resilience, physical fitness, and handling pressure in high-stakes events. Long-term athlete development programmes that cater to individual needs will be crucial in helping these shooters maintain their form over time.

Question: We saw more new shooters scoring well in the selection trials, the National Games, and the Nationals. Do you think India has enormous depth?

Abhinav Bindra: Absolutely. The sheer number of participants in domestic competitions speaks volumes about the depth in Indian shooting. More importantly, the quality of performances has also been on the rise. The ecosystem is constantly evolving, with young shooters pushing the envelope and proving that India is a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.

Question: Your thoughts on NRAI announcing a whole lot of national coaches. Do you think Indian coaches can deliver, and can dependence on foreign coaches be reduced?

Abhinav Bindra: There has to be a gradual shift in that direction. Indian coaches have a deep understanding of the ecosystem, and they must be empowered with the latest knowledge, methodologies, and international exposure. Investing in coach education, sending them to high-level training programmes, and giving them access to cutting-edge sports science will be critical. While foreign expertise has played a key role in our progress, the goal should be to develop a robust domestic coaching structure that can independently produce world-class athletes.

Question: In 2026, India will be competing in the Asian Games next year in Japan. How important is this for Indian shooters?

Abhinav Bindra: The Asian Games is a marquee event, and it serves as an early benchmark in the Olympic cycle. It provides Indian shooters with an opportunity to test themselves against the best in the continent and identify areas that need improvement. Strong performances at the Asian Games not only boost confidence but also help refine strategies leading up to the Olympics. It's a crucial stepping stone in the journey toward Paris 2024 and beyond.