If change is a constant, then shooting, as a sport, is trying out different things to stay relevant in the Summer Olympic programme. With Los Angeles allotted the 2028 Olympics, at one point of time there were doubts if shooting would make the cut. It has, and the sport is in for some adjustments as well.
Keeping in sync, changes are made by the world shooting body (ISSF), which also have to be implemented by national federations. Recently, the first set of selection trials were held at the Dr Karni Singh Ranges in New Delhi, where rifle shooters had to adjust to new gear. The weight of the heavy jacket and trousers, earlier made of thick leather has been cut. The focus now is on lighter material, which means a shooter finding the right balance is more about the athlete’s own efforts and adaptability.
Rifle shooters wearing their heavy jackets and trousers during the ISSF World Cup at Cairo last November. Pic/Getty Images
In addition to the change in jacket and trousers, the rapid-fire pistol event also sees a change. For the final, now eight shooters stand in the lanes. Earlier, it was six. In an interview with mid-day, 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist Abinav Bindra opened up on the changes and their significance given the next two years are important for Indian shooters, first with the Asian Games this year and eventually leading to the 2028 Olympics.
Edited excerpts from the interview.
What are your thoughts on the changes made by ISSF on clothing for rifle shooters. Does reduction in thickness of jacket and trousers mean shooters have to work harder on balance, so important in this sport?
The proposed changes were absolutely necessary. Over time, the stiffness of shooting equipment had crossed a point where it bordered on what I would call technological doping. The balance between skill and equipment had shifted too far, and pure shooting ability was being overshadowed. That was never the essence of the sport in earlier times. Whether these changes truly restore that balance or remain largely cosmetic is something only time will tell, but the intent to bring skill back to the forefront is the right one.
The first set of selection trials held by the NRAI are over which saw the rifle shooters in lighter attire. Do you think adaptability is in the head and heart or is it more to do with accepting changes?
Adaptability is as much about mindset as it is about method. These changes force athletes to return to the fundamentals. Shooters will have to train their bodies properly, develop genuine balance, and strengthen their mental resilience. Equally, coaches will need to refocus on actual coaching — on technique, posture, breathing, and competition psychology. In many ways, this is a reset for the sport, and that can be a healthy thing.
There are also quite a few changes in the new format and how the NRAI also put it in place. Is change a constant that has to be accepted?
Change is a constant not just in sport, but in life too. Sport has to evolve continuously to remain relevant, fair, and engaging. The challenge is not resisting change, but managing it thoughtfully so that it enhances the sport without diluting its core values.
In rapid fire pistol, the field for final has been increased to eight. Is this done to make the sport better to view or is everything driven by making the sport look busier and faster on TV?
That’s quite a technical question, and I must admit I don’t follow the discipline in that level of detail anymore. However, what I can say is that rapid fire pistol finals are inherently exciting, hit or miss, instant results. For someone watching the sport for the first time, it is intuitive and easy to understand, which is always a positive from a spectator’s perspective.
What are your thoughts on the new shooting league in India? Will it generate more interest in the sport of shooting?
As a former athlete, I genuinely wish the initiative the very best. While I’m not directly involved and don’t know the detailed plans, I firmly believe that any league can succeed only if it excites communities, engages young people, builds a strong fan base for teams, and most importantly innovates. Sport cannot wait for people to come to it; it has to go to the people. Urbanising the concept, making it accessible, and attracting audiences beyond the traditional shooting community are critical. Otherwise, it risks becoming just another league that struggles to sustain itself over time.
