What Does Abhinav Bindra Remember From His 2008 Olympic Gold Medal Win?
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Synopsis
On the 17th anniversary of his historic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Abhinav Bindra shares his emotional journey and reflects on how his achievement has inspired countless Indian athletes. His remarkable story showcases resilience, dedication, and the power of dreams in sports.
Key Takeaways
- Abhinav Bindra made history as India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist.
- He achieved this feat in the men’s 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- Bindra’s score of 10.8 in the final shot secured his victory.
- He aims to inspire future Indian athletes through his journey.
- Bindra received the Olympic Order for his contributions to the Olympic Movement.
New Delhi, Aug 11 (NationPress) Former India shooter Abhinav Bindra reflected on his monumental gold medal achievement at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he made history as the nation's first individual Olympic gold medallist by clinching the top position in the men's 10m air rifle event.
In a thrilling climax of the men's 10m air rifle finals at the Beijing Games, Bindra found himself in a tie with Finland's Henri Hakkinen with just one shot left. Maintaining his composure, Bindra delivered a stunning score of 10.8 on his final attempt — the best of the finals — triumphing over Hakkinen to achieve victory.
On the 17th anniversary of his groundbreaking success at the Summer Games, Bindra took to X to express his feelings: "17 years ago, a medal was placed around my neck, but it truly belonged to a nation. It was built on the love of my parents, the wisdom of my coaches, and the belief of countless people who stood beside me."
"My hope has always been that the gold shone far beyond that podium, lighting the way for every Indian athlete who dares to dream," he added.
The gold medal in the men's 10m air rifle at Beijing 2008 marked the pinnacle of Bindra's illustrious sports career, which also featured a World Championship gold and numerous medals from the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.
Bindra retired from competitive shooting after the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he narrowly missed out on a podium finish by just a tenth of a point in a shoot-off for a top-three position.
The iconic shooter, who participated in five Olympics (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016), was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his contributions in 2009.
Bindra is an active member of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Athlete Commissions, advocating for athletes' issues and contributing to their development.
During the IOC's Paris 2024 session, he became the first Indian to be honored with the Olympic Order, the highest accolade bestowed by the IOC for exemplary services, in recognition of his significant contributions to the Olympic Movement.
Point of View
Abhinav Bindra's reflections on his Olympic journey serve as a powerful reminder of the dedication and hard work that goes into achieving sporting excellence. His story not only highlights personal triumph but also emphasizes the collective support from family, coaches, and the nation, fostering hope for future generations of athletes.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What year did Abhinav Bindra win his Olympic gold medal?
Abhinav Bindra won his Olympic gold medal in the year 2008 at the Beijing Olympics.
In which event did Bindra win his gold medal?
Bindra won the gold medal in the men's 10m air rifle event.
What is the significance of Bindra's gold medal win?
Bindra’s win was historic as he became the first individual Olympic gold medallist for India.
How has Bindra contributed to the Olympic Movement?
Bindra has been an advocate for athlete issues through his role in the International Olympic Committee's Athlete Commissions and was awarded the Olympic Order for his contributions.
What recognition did Bindra receive for his achievements?
Bindra was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, for his contributions to sports.
