India’s First-Ever Gold Medal At Olympics

It was only after 108 years that India received its first-ever individual Olympic medal. Abhinav Bindra gave the coveted honor by winning the 10 meter air rifle event which was one of the most exciting games in the prestigious sports gathering.

The 25-year-old Bindra from Chandigarh made a historic victory. Being rank 17 in the world, he was set against Zhu Qinan, Athens Olympic champion of China and Henri Hakkinen of Finland who were at the top of him. However, Bindra grabbed the title and proved that reputation and history can be overcome by determination and will to succeed.

Bindra had a tally point of 700.5 which earned him the gold. Zhu grabbed the silver with 699.7 and the bronze went to Hakkinen with 699.4. His performance may be seen as a gradual march to victory. Indeed, it was India’s first medal by an individual since the country joined the Olympics in 1900.

When interviewed by reporters, Bindra was proud and elated to receive his award and expressed hope that his winning would change India’s face in Olympic sports.

The gold medalist stood with great pride when the Indian National anthem was played. He bowed his head to receive the medal from the Princess of Lichtenstein, a small country in Europe.

Bindra told reporters about his experiences in training. He also told about a back injury that nearly prevented him from joining the Olympics. He further added that he had to plan for the best strategy to win the game, and it paid off. Through hard work, proper training and family support, Bindra surpassed all the odds that might have stopped him along the way to victory.

The businessman from Chandigarh also applauded his opponent Zhu of China for his great performance. Gagan Narang, Bindra’s compatriot almost made it to the finals but fell short of luck.