THE 'GOLDEN' BOY!!!

My nerves were a jangling orchestra as I watched the final of the 10m Air Rifle event like all of my compatriots, the few who managed to catch the event early this morning that is. A breathtaking final that went down to the wire before the winner emerged . And the winner...

Abhinav Bindra, India

At 25 years of age, Abhinav Bindra becomes the first Indian to win an Individual Gold Medal at the Olympics. This is also the first time the tri colour has fluttered atop the highest step of the podium since the '80 Moscow Olympics! (That was when India's previous Gold came, the Mens' hockey team being the victors!)

Abhinav in fact arrived in Beijing as a part of the much touted Indian Shooting Contingent. A nation's medal hopes were pinned on these shooters and after two disappointing days, Abhinav's victory brought alive a billion dreams.

Abinav always showed immense potential.At 17 years of age, he became the youngest Indian at the Sydney Olympics. He secured a Gold(10m Air Rifle- Pairs) and a Silver(10m Air Rifle - Singles) at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in '02. In the following edition at Melbourne he secured a Gold and a Bronze in the same events respectively.

He next went on to win Gold at the World Championship at Zagreb, Croatia in '06, thereby also securing an Olympic birth.

This Olympic medal comes as the Crowning Glory in what has thus far been an illustrious career.

Earlier in the day, the final was a close won with the race for the gold being a three pronged one.
Henri Hakinen of Finland and Qinan Zhu being the other two. With his final shot of 10.8(his best in the finals), Abhinav secured gold!!! :)

The road to the gold wasn't easy and he had to overcome a career threatening back problem which even prevented him from lifting the rifle!

Abhinav's victory is one that has come despite many odds. In a sport that is yet to be counted amongst the foremost in this country, Abhinav's victory is thanks to (only) his individual efforts.

With talent and immense potential, one can be rest assured that the future holds many more laurels.

It may not rake in the moolah like the IPL did, but this victory has made every Indian proud. To see the tri colour flutter proudly and the national anthem reverberate in Beijing is a 'goosebumps' moment! (The best I can describe it!!! :P) ... the moment every athlete and sports fan dreams about, but one which only a handful realise.

For now, the nation can hail and herald it's SHOOTING STAR, for fulfilling the elusive desire.

Congratulations Abhinav Bindra for winning an (Individual) Olympic Gold and for being the first Indian to do so!!!