When you reach the top in any sport, the journey that comes next can be just as challenging as getting there. Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra recently spoke about the current phase that young chess sensation Gukesh D is going through, calling his recent results “normal.” Bindra’s words offer a reassuring insight into the mental rollercoaster that athletes face after huge success.
What Did Abhinav Bindra Say?
Abhinav Bindra started with a disclaimer, saying he hasn’t spoken to Gukesh personally and might not fully know what is going on inside the young champion’s mind. But from his experience, he said it’s common for athletes who achieve massive success to go through a period of losing motivation or entering a quieter phase in their careers. “It is just normal,” Bindra said, “the same in every athlete’s case.”
He explained that reaching the peak is just half the story. After climbing one mountain, the natural desire is to reach the next one immediately. But Abhinav Bindra said that’s not how it works; an athlete has to come down from that peak, take a careful look at where gaps or weak points have appeared, and work step-by-step to rebuild their foundation.
“It requires a lot of energy,” Bindra said. After such a high, it’s normal for an athlete to feel drained physically, mentally, and emotionally. It can take some time to recharge and get clarity on what their next goal should be.”
This recharging process helps athletes regain focus. Abhinav Bindra highlighted a tough reality of competitive sports: past victories don’t count for tomorrow. “You are only as good as what you are on that particular day,” he said. Winning one day means the world expects more proof the next. An athlete constantly faces the pressure to prove themselves again and again.
Read More
But Abhinav Bindra concluded on a positive note. He said as long as an athlete keeps enjoying what they do and continues working hard, they will break through the cycle. This is simply part of an athlete’s journey.
Why This Matters
Gukesh D became a world chess champion, a huge accomplishment that brought him immense fame and expectation. But even champions face these periods of challenge and motivation loss. Abhinav Bindra’s words remind fans and followers that this is natural and not a sign of failure or decline.
In fact, this phase is an opportunity to grow stronger by returning to basics with renewed energy. For Gukesh and others like him, the journey ahead is long, and managing motivation and mental strength is key to lasting success.
Also read: Andrey Esipenko Beats Nodirbek Yakkuboev To Lead Candidates Battle
