Sport | Other Sports
Bindra's good as gold
A single bullet ended 80 years of Olympic misery for India as marksman Abhinav Bindra on Monday gave the country its first individual gold medal in the Games.
- By Leslie Wilson Jr., Sports Editor
- Published: 23:48 August 11, 2008
- Image Credit: AP
- Bindra's gold comes 28 years after India last won gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics when the men's hockey team triumphed..
A single bullet ended 80 years of Olympic misery for India as marksman Abhinav Bindra yesterday gave the country its first individual gold medal in the Games. The 25-year-old from the northern state of Chandigarh won the men's 10-metre air rifle competition in Beijing where he scored an almost perfect 10.8.
Bindra's odds of clinching gold in Beijing could be rated at a billion-to-one given that India is the world's second most populous country after Games hosts China. India previously won only four individual medals since making their Olympic debut in Amsterdam in 1928, and eight field hockey golds from 1948-80.
With his flawless marksmanship Bindra helped bury India's Olympic curse and gave the country a genuine superstar to rival those in the Indian cricket team who, ironically, lost the Test series to Sri Lanka yesterday. Even former Test cricketer Kapil Dev, who led India to their most famous triumph in the 1983 World Cup, was quick to hail Bindra's gold medal as the country's biggest sporting achievement.
Besides Bindra, India has sent 56 athletes to Beijing. And now that the country has tasted Olympic success, they must hunger for more.
"This is far bigger than any other sporting achievement. It is difficult to compare India's sporting laurels but I think this one has eclipsed all other feats."
Kapil Dev
Former Indian cricket captain
"Abhinav has shown the world that an Indian can also stand on the podium. It is a total result of his hard work and his family support."
P.T Usha
Indian track and field legend
"We've won hockey golds in the past but the individual gold is going to give a huge fillip to all our sports. The boys and girls will run that much faster and jump that much longer."
Manohar Singh Gill
Indian Sports Minister
"I haven't prayed so much in my life. With the second last shot they tied together and then he (Bindra) shot a 10.8. It couldn't have got better."
Randhir Singh
IOC Secretary-General
"Abhinav has the youth factor, he's presentable, good-looking. And well, a gold is a gold. There aren't many who can beat that combination."
Latika Khaneja
Bindra's agent
"I hope this will be an eye opener for all those who have followed only one sport - cricket."
V. Bhaskaran
Former India hockey captain
Will this historic win help boost the performance of other Indian players in the Olympics? What are yor expectations from other players? Will the increase in sponsorship offers help increase the standard of sports in the country? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com
Your comments
I couldn't believe my eyes when I read that Abhinav Bindra had actually won a gold medal at the worlds most prestigious sporting show - the Olympics; currently underway in Beijing. I read the article again on my online edition of the Gulf News and out of sheer excitement I even called my husband on the phone to inform him of this glorious feat by a fellow Indian. At last the Olympic gold medal drought has come to an end and India has something to be genuinely proud of...I am sincerely hoping that our 'cricket crazy' nation will now realise that there are other sports which are equally deserving to be promoted! Its about time that the authorities comprehend this truth, take appropriate steps and thereby pave the way for other potential gold medalists...I am certain that given adequate funds and infrastructure alongwith professional coaching - sports such as hockey,football, tennis, badminton and a host of others have the potential to clinch gold and glory for our nation. Thank you Abhinav for showing us the way!
Shiuli
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 12, 2008, 11:27
I am proud of him. Olympic gold medal is the cherished dream of every Indian. His gold medal has encourage to other participents of Indian team. They are also trying for good victory. Wish you all the best for good victory to Indian team.
Shijo
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 12, 2008, 11:08
I salute this young boy, who makes me proud as an Indian. With his great start, now onwards Indian youths will definitely be going to discover their capabilities. They will start hoping and starving for more golds, which can be achieved in forthcoming olympic events. With this achievement One fine day our great India may host olympics in future.
D. Salunkhe
Mumbai,India
Posted: August 12, 2008, 10:16
Finally we have some focus on other sports than cricket, which is actually stealing all the focus. Well done Abhinav, you have really done the country proud and hope this wil be an example to youngsters to pursue sports other than cricket in the country.
Zahir
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 12, 2008, 08:55
Mr. Abhinav gave to the precious moments for Indians. His victory boosts slight changes to other players, but depends on their performance and luck. Indians are expecting some other players and waiting other precious moments too. Sponsorship is very important for sports and any events to grow perfectly. Lot of talented players in different sports items suffering with out money. They get good sponsors and suitable coaching; sure tomorrow is more brighten for their performance. The parents, teachers find the children's activities and divert them that way.
Ajay
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 12, 2008, 07:53
The gold won by Abhinav is a reflection of the new emerging confident young India that he represents. May this nation win many more in the days and years ahead to come. By the way, Abhinav comes from Chandigarh in India not from Gujrat.
Nitin Ahlowalia
Roorkee,India
Posted: August 12, 2008, 07:25
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