'I questioned my coaches, challenged ideas': Bindra urges athletes to 'question' more

Abhinav Bindra (Photos by J Jackson)

Indian shooting legend Abhinav Bindra on Friday stressed that athletes should be free 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, as it helps athletes learn and grow.The 44-year-old shared his thoughts on X but did not mention what prompted his remarks. Bindra, who won India's first individual Olympic gold medal in 2008, said his curiosity and habit of questioning things played a key role in his success."Throughout my sporting career, I questioned my coaches, challenged ideas and remained curious. Not because I lacked respect but because I wanted to understand, learn and get better," he posted.

He also warned that athletes who are unable to express themselves freely may eventually stop questioning things altogether, which could hurt their growth and sporting success.

Questioning can help athletes improve

Bindra said athletes should be encouraged to examine their own performances, question their coaches and understand the methods they are asked to follow. He believes this 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 recommended to them and the structures they operate within. Not out of defiance but out of a genuine desire to improve," he explained.He added that what some people see as "indiscipline" 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 gain a better understanding of the sport.

"What some might consider indiscipline may, in fact, be essential to growth. There is a difference between an athlete who refuses to learn and one who refuses to stop asking questions. Sport must be wise enough to recognise that difference," added the 44-year-old.

A career beyond Olympic glory

Bindra is considered one of India's greatest sportspersons. Along with his historic Olympic gold medal, he has also won gold at the World Championships.After retiring from competitive shooting, he served as vice-chair of the International Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission for eight years, completing his term earlier this year.