How Did Abhinav Bindra Inspire Colonel’s Daughter Agrima Kanwar to Achieve Success?

New Delhi, May 12 (NationPress) Agrima Kanwar was merely 18 months old when Abhinav Bindra achieved gold during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Yet, as she grew aware of his remarkable feats, he became her source of inspiration. Just last week, she made history by becoming the first medalist for Himachal Pradesh, securing silver in the women's Skeet shooting category at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Bihar.

Agrima shared that prior to her shooting journey, she wasn't very familiar with Abhinav Bindra. "But when I took up shooting a few years back, my father, a Colonel in the Indian Army, gifted me a copy of Mr. Bindra's autobiography, A Shot At History. He mentioned I would find it relatable, and he was right," she reflected.

She was particularly impacted by Bindra's narrative about narrowly missing an Olympic medal in Athens 2004. "Reading how he managed that setback, the patience and perfectionism he exhibited, and how he made a comeback resonated deeply with me. It made me understand that obstacles are part of the journey," Agrima expressed.

Agrima's bond with Bindra's story transcends mere admiration. "Whenever a day at the range doesn’t go well, I revisit his book. Even a few lines remind me that perfection isn’t a daily requirement. There’s always another chance. This mindset has transformed my approach to shooting and my outlook on life," she stated.

"Growing up with a father in the Army, firearms have always intrigued me. Unlike pistols that are stable and indoor, skeet shooting is affected by external elements—wind, rain, and unpredictable conditions—which makes it more exciting. I relish that challenge," Agrima noted. She has been mentored by Olympians Mairaj Ahmed Khan from Rio and Tokyo.

Though her parents hail from Una in Himachal Pradesh, Agrima was born in Jalandhar. Competing for Himachal Pradesh in both editions of the Khelo India Youth Games was a deliberate decision. "I’ve always felt a connection to Himachal. I observed that our state often lacks representation in such events, so I felt compelled to represent my roots," she explained.

After finishing fifth at the KIYG Chennai last year, her precision under pressure led her to a podium finish this time. "The medal has significantly boosted my confidence. I now believe that if I can achieve it once, I can replicate that success. My father has always advised me to take it one shot at a time and not overthink. Just focus on the next target. That’s precisely what Mr. Bindra did!"

Agrima's immediate goal is to qualify for the National junior squad and secure medals in upcoming World Cup competitions. She also dreams of meeting Abhinav Bindra one day.

"I might be speechless, but I would definitely thank him. His journey has motivated me, and I know it has inspired a whole generation of athletes like myself," she concluded.