New Delhi: The Indian marksmen proved to be the backbone of the country's good show in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games here and Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra expects a repeat performance from the nation's shooting contingent in the Asian Games in China to be held from November 12 to 27.
Bindra, the 10-metre air rifle pairs event gold medallist in the Commonwealth Games, assured the Indian shooters will give a stiff challenge to the seasoned pros during the Guangzhou Games.
"Indian shooters are ready for another good show in the Asian Games just like they did in the Commonwealth Games. Our standard is higher now after the recent success and the shooters will bring lot more glory to the nation," Bindra said.
"I expect more medals from India this time, not only from the shooting contingent but also from other sporting disciplines. Our athletes are ready for the next challenge," the Chandigarh shooter added.
In the October 3-14 event here, Bindra and Gagan Narang won the yellow metal in the 10-metre air rifle pairs event with a Games record. The pair together scored 1193 to break their own record, which they had set four years ago in Melbourne Games, by notching up 1189.
It was a foregone conclusion that Indian shooters would call the shots in the 19th Commonwealth Games. The hosts won 30 medals, including 14 gold, 11 silver and five bronze during the Games. They also surpassed their earlier haul of 27 medals, won at Melbourne Games in 2006.
Ace shooter Bindra along with noted film maker Yash Chopra, was in the capital to launch a new corporate logo for the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
When asked about India's second spot finish on the medal tally in the Commonwealth Games, former world champion Bindra said it shows the growing stature of Indian athletes in the world.
"As an athlete, I am absolutely delighted with the performance. India's second position finish is great and inspiring," he added.
India registered a historic second-place finish in the Commonwealth Games ahead of England with 38 gold, 27 silver and 36 bronze medals. England finished third with a total haul of 37-59-45 while Australia ended up at top with a huge heist of 74-54-48.
Bindra, during an interaction with the panelists on the dais, said that the mantra behind his success was, he always remained determined towards his goals.
"For me, biggest thing is passion. I always remained passionate about my goals. I faced many challenges along the way but I used them in a positive way and looked ahead. I fought every battle and succeeded. You need to be strong to pursue your passion," he said.
Speaking about Indian athletes, Bindra said they have developed killer instincts.
"We can see tremendous amount of self-belief in our athletes. Our sportspersons have the killer instinct but they just need to nurture it. They have faced so many challenges in their journey that the killer instinct itself got developed.
Their attitude has changed for good," Bindra added.
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