His contract was due to end in September but he quit six months early because of lack of guarantees that he would receive an extension until next year's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and the London 2012 Olympics.

 

The Hungarian’s announcement came as a huge shock for the top shooters at the national camp in Pune.

 

One said: "He told us just five days back that he would be leaving India and won’t be returning.

 

"We were all surprised as it came out of the blue."

Szucsak, one of the top coaches in the world, was currently working with a core group of 40 shooters - all potential medal winners at the Asian and world level.

 

He served in India for six years in two stints and was on short-term extensions ever since his contract expired after the Beijing Games, where Bindra won the 10 metre rifle event, making him the first Indian to win an individual gold medal.

 

The Hungarian has now left to begin a four-year contract with Iran, where he will guide their shooting team in the build-up to London 2012.