Bindra urges athletes to question their work and the systems around them

Indian shooting great Abhinav Bindra on Friday said the country needs athletes who question their own work, the methods recommended to them and "the structures they operate within" as speaking freely is essential even if some perceive it to be an act of "indiscipline".

The former rifle shooter, who became India's first individual Olympic gold-medallist back in 2008, said his achievements were largely thanks to his inquisitive mind and ability to ask questions.

"Throughout my sporting career, I questioned my coaches, challenged ideas and remained curious.

Not because I lacked respect but because I wanted to understand, learn and get better," he posted on 'X' without specifying the context of his advice to the athletes.

"I worry that when athletes feel they cannot speak freely, something far more troubling happens over time.

They slowly stop questioning even in their own minds.

And when that happens we loose something essential to sporting excellence," he added.

Bindra said India nee