I have realised I am in love with shooting: Abhinav Bindra

Having achieved Olympic glory in Beijing, how do you motivate yourself?
It is true that your entire mindset changes. You are trying to achieve the same thing, but through a different philosophy. The amount of 'blind-mindedness' that I had from 2004 to 2008 is hard to replicate now. It's difficult to live a life like that anymore. You get a lot of mental diseases being like that. All I'm trying is to achieve is the same result by leading a different life. And I don't want to go back to that mould again.

Does that mean you have changed or matured with the age?
I would like to enjoy the sport. I am here at the moment because I like the sport more than I used to. In the last few years, I have had this great realisation that I am actually in love with this sport.

So, does it mean that you have become wiser with age?
No, it's the other way around. I have become dumb.

Dumb? You are more humorous now...
Believe me. In shooting, you need to be dumb. You people think differently, but I'm telling you that I have become dumb. I was always humorous by nature but, maybe, no one noticed it. Or, maybe, I looked just too intense or serious to others.

After Glasgow, you said you won't take part in another Commonwealth Games. What about Asian Games?
I don't take decisions like this. Yes, I also don't see doing it for another four years. That's why I said it there.

So, you will take a call after Rio 2016 Olympic Games?
Well, 2016 is again too far. My philosophy has changed. I'm not into goal-setting, long-term, short-term, etc. Rather, I live my life day by day. I take one day at a time and try to live it to the fullest. My life's attitude is simple: 'Make the best of what you have got. And move to the next. Thank God for what is coming my way and enjoy it completely'.

Will winning the Asian Games medal here influence your decision?
Only my mother can influence me...

Meaning?
My mother is a trained psychologist. But I don't consult her or don't talk to her on these matters. I feel psychology can't work with your mother. That has to be an outsider.

Over the years, you have worked with different coaches. But how does it feel not to have your personal coach Heinz Reinkemeier around?
You self-coach. Also, I have good relations with the national coach and don't have any problem working with him. But it helps when your personal coach is around.

Do you keep track of other Indian shooters during the competitions or just keep to yourself?
Yes, I always keep asking about their scores. It certainly makes one happy if your teammates are doing well. It is, kind of, motivating if we are winning medals. It really makes me so happy that Indian shooters have been doing so well now at all levels. Hope things will continue to improve.