Youth Games will be first step towards making India successful, says Abhinav Bindra

Bindra has opined that these are exciting times for Indian sports and the nation should be taking one step at a time to reach their target. With IOA looking to bid for the 2032 Games, Bindra has asked the nation to start making preparations. 

“I think we need to do it step by step and the Youth Games will be the first step in that direction. If we are able to build our sporting ecosystem and the athletes and hope for success in the Youth Games, then perhaps it can be looked into. But there is still plenty of time to go for the 2032 Games. Even the bidding process has a while to go,” said the former shooter, reported TOI.

“I don’t know where Indian sports will be 10 years down the road, Maybe we will be ready then but perhaps we need to start that conversation now. Need to get shooting back in CWG as core sport,” Bindra added.

Of course, India’s ongoing concern with the exclusion of shooting at the next Commonwealth Games was raised to Bindra and the shooter stated that India should be looking at excelling in the sports that are included.

“Shooting is an optional sport (in CWG) and Birmingham 2022 hasn’t chosen it. Now we need to work to get it back as a core sport,” said Bindra, who has won seven medals at the Commonwealth Games including four gold medals.

“The world body will have to work extensively with the Commonwealth Games Federation. The CSF need to work collectively and garner support to get it reinstated. It will require lobbying and persuasion at the highest level,” Bindra added.