CHANDIGARH:Sydney and Athens Olympian shooter Abhinav Bindra today said the the coaches' role in moulding the players is 'very vital'. Addressing a press conference on his return home after winning gold medal in 10 metres air rifle in the ongoing World Shooting Championship in Zagreb (Croatia) suggested that highly qualified coaches should provide training to the youngsters with a view to building a strong base.

Better equipped training centres all over the country are required to promote and popularise this discipline. Shooting is gaining in in popularity and more youngsters have started showing interest in this sports discipline. Talking about his rare achievement of becoming the first Indian shooter to win gold medal in the World Championship, 24-year-old Abhinav Bindra said "I have worked hard, training day and night. I am happy that I have achieved it (gold) and become the first Indian to do so."

Bindra  did not rate the performance at Zagreb as his best. "I am confident that the best is still to come. I have worked hard, practised day and night, and I am happy to achieve the first gold for India in the World Championship in Croatia."

Asked whether by winning gold in the World Championship he had silenced his critics, Bindra displayed more maturity and confidence by saying "every body is entitled to express his opinion. However, I had worked hard and I am happy that I have achieved this distinction. The day belongs to me."

Bindra gave special thanks to Lt Col J S Dhillon, who was his initial coach."Lt Col Dhillon dedicately gave me a sound foundation. I would also like to thank Dr Uwe Riesterer of Germany, Gavy Bulmann, Heinz Reinkemier, Lapidus and Irena who all played a vital role towards my this success."

Abhinav Bindra also thanked Indian Olympic Association secretary general and Olympian shooter Raja Randhir Singh, national coach Sunny Thomas and Lazlo and other his team mates, Bindra said "it was uncle Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, now Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs, who initiated me to this sports 12 years back."

About his future training programme Bindra said "I will be going for rehabiliation as I am suffering from back pain. I was competing in Zagreb while I had back pain. Once my body is supporting me I will give my best performance. I will be preparing for the coming international meets, including Doha Asian Games once I am fit through rehabilitation. The Beijing Olympics will be after two years." It may be recalled that Bindra is among the six Indians who had gained Olympic quota berth.

Giving details of the injury Dr Bhattacharya, who accompanied Bindra to Zagreb, said " Bindra is suffering from spine problem.The three stages are mild, moderate and severe.  It is between moderate and severe. The shooter tends to suffer back injury as he  holds a five-kg gun and shoots standing in an unnatural posture. Bindra has suffered rupture of ligament in muscle. After rehabiliation programme Bindra should be fit in six months," said Dr Bhattacharya.

Col J S Dhillon said Abhinav Bindra's outstanding achievements were due to his dedication, determination and sheer hard  work and not luck. Bindra adopted shooting as a hobby in 1995. He moved from strength to strength and reached to this level. 

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had announced a cash grant of Rs 21 lakh, including 18 lakh for equipment, to Abhinav Bindra. Amritsar-based shooter Manavjit Singh Sandhu also hit the bull's eye as he claimed  gold medal in trap event in World Championship in Zegreb.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has congratulated Abhnav Bindra for performing a rare feat. In a congratulatory message the Prime Minister said "i am delighted ton learn of your spectacular success in the World Championship at Zagreb. We are pround that you have won a gold medal and have put in the best ever performance by an Indian marksman. I am sure you will earn even more accolades for our country in the future. Please accept my best wishes for your continued success."