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| It`s the proudest moment of my life: Abhinav Bindra | | | Beijin | Aug 11
Even the ever-calm Abhinav Bindra couldn't control his emotions at the press conference following his gold winning exploits at Beijing. "I can't describe how happy I am," he said. Bindra pipped the likes of reigning Olympic champion Qinan Zhu to grab the gold medal in the 10m air rifle event to win first ever individual gold medal for India.
"It's the thrill of my life. That's about it. It's hard to describe. I just went for it. I knew I was lying in fourth. Thankfully it went my way and I just went for it."
Bindra, who faced criticism for failing to deliver on the great promise he showed as a child, said he was not thinking about making history in India with a first individual gold medal. In fact, he said, he was "not thinking about anything".
"I was just trying to concentrate on shooting," he said. "I wasn't thinking of making history. I was two points behind the leaders. I was just trying to shoot good shots. I wanted to shoot well and shoot aggressively. And that's what I did."
His 10.8 of a possible 10.9 on his final shot sparked loud celebrations from group of fans from India.
Randhir Singh, Indian Olympic Association secretary-general and a former shooter himself, was present at the range. He admitted being stricken by nerves as the competition reached its climax.
"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," he told Indian television.
National Shooting coach Sunny Thomas said, “We are really proud of his achievement.”
He also reinforced his confidence in the boys adding, “This is just the beginning.”
On his gold winning pupil he said that Bindra was a very calm and composed person and his focus also rubbed on the other players in the Indian contingent. His views were echoed by Abhinav's father who also added that God had rewarded his son's efforts from the past 12 years.
President Pratibha Patil Monday congratulated Abhinav Bindra who made history when he won a gold medal for the 10-metre air rifle event at the Beijing Olympics - India's first individual gold medal in the Olympics.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sports Minister MS Gill also sent their messages. |
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