‘I questioned my coaches, challenged ideas’: Indian shooting legend Abhinav Bindra urges athletes to ‘question’ more

Abhinav Bindra (Photo by J Jackson) Indian shooting legend Abhinav Bindra on Friday stressed that athletes should be allowed to question their training methods, coaches and the system around them to improve their performance. He said asking questions should not be seen as a lack of discipline because it helps athletes learn and grow.The 44-year-old shared his thoughts on X, but did not mention what led to his comments. Bindra, who won India’s first individual Olympic gold medal in 2008, said his curiosity and habit of questioning played a key role in his success.“Throughout my athletic career, I questioned my coaches, challenged ideas, and remained curious. Not because I lacked respect, but because I wanted to understand, learn, and improve,” he wrote.He also warned that athletes who can’t express themselves freely may eventually stop questioning things altogether, which could hurt their growth and athletic success.

Questioning can help athletes improve

Bindra said athletes should be encouraged to examine their own performance, question their coaches and understand the methods to follow. He believes it should come from a desire to improve rather than an intention to challenge authority.“We need athletes who question their own work, their coaches, the methods they are recommended and the structures they operate in. Not out of defiance, but out of a genuine desire to improve,” he explained.He added that what some people consider “lack of discipline” may actually be necessary for an athlete’s development. According to Bindra, there is a clear difference between refusing to learn and continuing to ask questions to better understand the sport.“What some might see as indiscipline can actually be essential to growth. There is a difference between an athlete who refuses to learn and one who refuses to stop asking questions. Sports must be wise enough to know the difference,” the 44-year-old added.

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Career beyond Olympic glory

Bindra is regarded as one of India’s greatest sportsmen. Along with the historic Olympic gold medal, he also has a gold medal from the World Championships.After he retired from competitive shooting, he served as vice-chairman of the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission for eight years, ending his term earlier this year.