'It truly belonged to a nation' - On this day, 17 years ago, Abhinav Bindra won India's first individual gold at Olympics
On this day in 2008,
Abhinav Bindra
etched his name in history by winning India's first-ever individual Olympic gold medal at the Beijing Games.
Competing in the Men's 10m Air Rifle event, Bindra faced fierce competition, with the outcome hinging on his final shot.
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Displaying remarkable calm and precision, he delivered a near-perfect attempt, finishing with a score of 700.5 to claim the top spot and bring immense pride to the nation.
Abhinav Bindra
"17 years ago, a medal was placed around my neck, but it truly belonged to a nation," Bindra wrote on X.
"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."
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What do you think was the key factor in Abhinav Bindra's success at the 2008 Olympics?
His training regime
Mental composure
Support from family and coaches
Use of sports science and technology
Abhinav Bindra: The Marksman Who Made Olympic History
Abhinav Bindra, born on September 28, 1982, in Dehradun, is celebrated as the man who delivered India's first-ever individual Olympic gold medal. Showing an early passion for shooting, Bindra began training under Lt. Col. J.S. Dhillon and demonstrated remarkable dedication from a young age.
At just 17, he made his Olympic debut at the Sydney 2000 Games. While he missed out on a medal, the experience intensified his resolve to excel at the highest level.
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Over the years, Bindra adopted a meticulous training regime, often travelling abroad for exposure and working with international coaches. He was among the first Indian athletes to integrate sports science and technology — including biomechanics and physiotherapy — into his preparation.
Despite facing mental and competitive challenges, Bindra's perseverance paid off at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he clinched gold in the Men's 10m Air Rifle event with a final score of 700.5 points. His composure during the decisive final shot became part of Indian sporting folklore.
An author of the autobiography A Shot at History: My Obsessive Journey to Olympic Gold, Bindra has been honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and numerous other awards.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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