Thaindian News

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) India’s only individual Olympic champion, Abhinav Bindra, feels that compatriot Gagan Narang has it in him to become the next World and Olympic gold medallist in shooting.

“He is outstanding, one of the best in the world. I am sure he will win many more international tournaments, the World Championship and an Olympic gold medal,” said Bindra, who Narang pipped Wednesday to win the men’s 10m air rifle competition in the Commonwealth Games here.

Narang shot a score of 703.6, including a perfect 600 in the qualifying, to win the gold at the Karni Singh shooting range. Bindra got the silver. The duo won the pairs gold in the same event Tuesday .

Despite losing out the gold Wednesday, Bindra was not disappointed.

“I am happy with my performance and it feels good. Gagan has been very consistent in the last three-four years,” he said.

Narang returned the compliments saying he had a lot to learn from the Olympic champion.

“When I was trying to get into shooting, I had heard a lot about Bindra. There is a lot to learn from each other. It’s always nice to compete with him,” said Narang.

Narang said Wednesday’s contest was demanding.

“Of late, I have been struggling for form a little bit, so it is very satisfying to clinch the gold. But it was more demanding today than yesterday,” he said. “Technically I was better today, than yesterday.

“I don’t talk about my feelings and my satisfaction. I have been, and will always let my gun do the talking,” Narang said.

Air rifle coach Stanislav Lapidus ‘revealed’ the secret behind the success of Narang and Bindra.

“I told both of them to compete with themselves and not with each other. That’s the secret, top secret I must say,” he said.