Bindra calls for corporate support for Olympic sports

Beijing Games gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra on Tuesday  urged corporate houses to play a bigger role in the progress of Olympics sports in India and said the disciplines should be “supported as a part of CSR activities”.

“I would be happy if more support is offered but all organisations have their limitations. It will be great to see more corporate support coming in for Olympic sports in general. It would be great to see Olympic sports being supported as part of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities,” Bindra, the only Indian to win an individual gold at the Olympic Games, said on the sidelines of an event.

Bindra is impressed with the progress of shooting sport in the country. “Growth of Indian shooting has been tremendous, talent pool and results are incredible. We have a good bench strength of shooters now. The nationals and trials were highly competitive.”

Asked about the government’s top scheme, he said, “Top scheme is a proactive step. Earlier the athletes had to apply well in advance but now it’s a proactive sort of a situation where the government is going out to the athletes and offering them support.” Bindra said he is focused on keeping his Rio Olympics quota. “I train quite a lot and will continue to try and give my best. I train with my own set of coaches. One has to work hard towards securing one’s own slot. The current focus is to do well in all the Olympic  qualifying competitions. Focus is to try and retain my quota,” he said.