PARIS: Olympic medallist shooter Gagan Narang has observed a remarkable shift in the confidence levels of Indian athletes over the years, attributing it to their increasing motivation and ambitious mindset. Narang, who clinched a bronze medal at the London Games and is currently serving as India’s Chef-de-Mission at the Paris Olympics, shared his insights on the evolving mindset of Indian athletes.

Narang emphasized that Indian athletes are no longer intimidated by their international counterparts, a significant departure from the past. “There is a huge change in the motivation and the level of thinking our athletes have today. We used to feel scared, under-confident because other countries were better. But slowly that’s changed, the mindset has changed,” Narang remarked to reporters in Paris.

This newfound confidence has emboldened Indian athletes to aim for gold medals, reflecting their determination and readiness to compete at the highest level. Narang’s observations highlight the positive transformation within the Indian sports community, fostering a culture of self-belief and resilience.

As the Paris Olympics progresses, the enhanced confidence and ambition of Indian athletes are expected to play a crucial role in their performances, driving them towards potential podium finishes and national pride.