Abhinav's gold medal due to hard work and good coaching

Chandigarh, July 29 (UNI) Home after his gold medal winning feat at the World Championship in Zagreb, rifle marksman Abhinav Bindra attributed his success to hard work and good coaches.

Addressing a press conference here today, the 24-year-old 10-metres air rifle world champion pointed out that coaches play a vital role in shaping a sportsperson. Good coaches should be provided at the grass root level, he opined.

He praised Lt Col J S Dhillon, who was his first coach and was responsible for ''laying the foundation''. He also added a word of praise for Dr Uwe Riesterer of Germany, Gavy Bulmann, Heinz Reinkemier, Lapidus and Irena saying,''they all played a vital role towards my this success.'' Making a special mention of Indian Olympic Association secretary general Randhir Singh, national coach Sunny Thomas and Lazlo and other team mates, Abhinav said. ''It was uncle Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, Punjab's Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs, who initiated me to this sports 12 years back.'' Replying to a question he said,''The performance at Zegreb was not his best. I am confident that it is still to come. I have worked hard, practised day and night, and I am happy to win the first gold for India in the World Championship in Croatia.'' Asked to explain his future training schedule, Abhinav said,''My first priority is to get rehabiliation as I am suffering from back pain. I was competing while I had back pain''.

He said that after getting his body into proper shape, he would be preparing for the coming international meets, including Doha Asian Games and the Beijing Olympics due after two years.

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