Asian Games: Shooter Abhinav Bindra 'used to' federations messing up

Incheon: India’s only individual Olympic gold medallist, Abhinav Bindra has expressed anguish and disappointment over the seeming apathy of the country’s sports administrators, saying he has “got used” to such things.

He wanted to check into the Asiad Games Village early but could not make it till yesterday evening, two days after his preferred date, as the event organisers were unable to send accreditation cards for Bindra and other members of the Indian shooting squad because the national federation had not sent their entries on time.

The rifle ace was in for disappointment on arrival too, as no Indian official was at the airport to receive him and hand over his accreditation card. He had to complete customs formalities for the release of his equipment on his own.

“What can I do? But it would have been nice to come in early,” Bindra said.

He added: “I have got used to these things. Nothing surprises me anymore.”

He said he can only concentrate on his event and give his best.

Bindra had won a historic gold medal in 10-metre Air Rifle at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

India’s shooters are hoping to extend their success at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, where they won 17 medals, including four golds.

At the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, India participated in 35 sports and won 65 medals, including 14 golds.

PTI