Bindra quits Observer, TOP posts citing 'conflict of interest'

'I therefore sincerely request you to relieve me of these two posts so that any potential conflict of interest can be avoided before it arises and the sanctity of these posts is fully retained.'

Abhinav Bindra resigned from the twin posts of National Observer for shooting and chairman of the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Committee to avoid any potential conflict of interest as he is also involved in private projects.

"As I will now be involving myself more deeply in private projects, including the establishment and operation of Abhinav Bindra Target Performance Centre across the country, I believe there could be a potential Conflict of Interest between these positions as more athletes start training at these centres," Bindra wrote in his letter to sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Friday.

Bindra stressed on the need to maintain sanctity of government positions.

The Beijing Olympic gold medallist further wrote: "I therefore sincerely request you to relieve me of these two posts so that any potential conflict of interest can be avoided before it arises and the sanctity of these posts is fully retained."

Recently, Olympic medallists boxer MC Mary Kom and wrestler Sushil Kumar also resigned from their respective National Observer's post.

Image: Abhinav Bindra