Latest news with #AbhinavBindra
India.com
14-05-2025
- Sport
- India.com
Olympic Medalist Neeraj Chopra honored as lieutenant colonel in Indian Army, earlier he held the rank of...
Neeraj Chopra received a significant recognition from the Indian Army, being granted the honorary title of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. The Ministry of Defence published the declaration in the Gazette of India, the official weekly publication of the Indian government. His honorary designation has been effective since April 16, 2025. "No 3 (E) dated 9 May 2025 in exercise of the powers conferred by Para 31 of the Territorial Army Regulations, 1948, the president is pleased to confer Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army on sEx-Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra, PVSM, Padma Shri, VSM, Village & Post Office Khandra, Panipat, Haryana with effect from 16 April, 2025," the statement read. Neeraj Chopra is widely regarded as the finest athlete India has ever produced and is one of only two Indians to secure an individual Olympic gold medal. His triumph in Tokyo placed him alongside Abhinav Bindra in this exclusive group. Neeraj Chopra further cemented his legacy by clinching a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The javelin ace became the fourth Indian athlete, after Sushil Kumar, PV Sindhu, and Manu Bhaker, to earn more than one individual Olympic medal. He is the first among them to achieve a gold-silver medal combination. In fact, Neeraj Chopra has achieved every major accolade in javelin, including gold medals at the Commonwealth Games (2018) and the Asian Games (2018 and 2023), along with securing the World Championship title in 2023. Neeraj Chopra is set to make his 2025 debut on Friday, May 16, at the Doha Diamond League.
Mint
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Abhinav Bindra's legacy inspires Colonel's daughter Agrima Kanwar to attain success at Khelo India Youth Games 2025
Agrima Kanwar was 18 months old when Abhinav Bindra won gold in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. But as she got aware of his heroics, she followed him as her guiding light. And just the past week, she became the first medal winner for Himachal Pradesh, clinching silver in the women's Skeet shooting competition in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Bihar. Agrima said she really did know much about Abhinav Bindra him before she started shooting, 'But when I started pistol shooting some years ago, my father, a Colonel in the Indian Army, gifted me a copy of Mr. Bindra's autobiography, A Shot At History. He said I would find it relatable. And he was absolutely right,' she said. The young shooter was particularly moved by Abhinav Bindra's account of missing out on an Olympic medal in Athens 2004. 'Reading about how he dealt with that failure, the patience and perfectionism he practiced, and how he bounced back made a deep impact. I realised that setbacks are a part of the journey,' Agrima said. Her connection with Abhinav Bindra's story goes beyond admiration. 'Whenever I feel low after a not so good day at the range, I revisit his book. Even reading a few lines reminds me that it is okay not to be perfect every day. There's always another day. That mindset has changed how I shoot, how I think,' she said. 'My father is in the Army, so guns always fascinated me. Unlike Pistol, which is constant and indoors, skeet is influenced by outdoor factors—wind, rain, unpredictable conditions — all of which make it more challenging. I enjoy that,' Agrima said. She has been groomed by Rio and Tokyo Olympian Mairaj Ahmed Khan. Her parents are from Una in Himachal Pradesh, but she herself was born in Jalandhar. Representing Himachal Pradesh in two editions of the Khelo India Youth Games is a conscious choice. 'I always felt connected to Himachal. I noticed that the State doesn't get a lot of representation in events like these. So, I felt like it was time to represent my roots,' Agrima said. She finished fifth last year in KIYG Chennai. But this time, her precision and calm under pressure brought her the podium finish she'd been working towards. 'The medal boosted my confidence. Now I know that if I can do it once, I can do it again. My father has always told me – it's one shot at a time. Don't overthink. Just focus on the next thing. That's exactly what Mr. Bindra did!' While her immediate goal is to get in to the National junior squad and win medals at the coming World Cup competitions, she also dreams of meeting Abhinav Bindra someday. 'I'd probably be dumbstruck, but I will surely thank him. His story has kept me going. And I know it has inspired a whole generation of athletes like me,' she said.
Hans India
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Abhinav Bindra's legacy inspires Colonel's daughter Agrima Kanwar to attain success
Agrima Kanwar was 18 months old when Abhinav Bindra won gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. But as she became aware of his heroics, she followed him as her guiding light. And just the past week, she became the first medal winner for Himachal Pradesh, clinching silver in the women's Skeet shooting competition in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Bihar. Agrima said she did not know much about Abhinav Bindra before she started shooting, 'But when I started shooting some years ago, my father, a Colonel in the Indian Army, gifted me a copy of Mr. Bindra's autobiography, A Shot At History. He said I would find it relatable. And he was absolutely right,' she said. The young shooter was particularly moved by Abhinav Bindra's account of missing out on an Olympic medal in Athens in 2004. 'Reading about how he dealt with that failure, the patience and perfectionism he practiced, and how he bounced back made a deep impact. I realised that setbacks are a part of the journey,' Agrima said. Her connection with Bindra's story goes beyond admiration. 'Whenever I feel low after a not-so-good day at the range, I revisit his book. Even reading a few lines reminds me that it is okay not to be perfect every day. There's always another day. That mindset has changed how I shoot, how I think,' she said. 'My father is in the Army, so guns always fascinated me. Unlike pistol, which is constant and indoors, skeet is influenced by outdoor factors—wind, rain, unpredictable conditions — all of which make it more challenging. I enjoy that,' Agrima said. She has been groomed by Rio and Tokyo Olympian Mairaj Ahmed Khan. Her parents are from Una in Himachal Pradesh, but she was born in Jalandhar. Representing Himachal Pradesh in two editions of the Khelo India Youth Games is a conscious choice. 'I always felt connected to Himachal. I noticed that the State doesn't get a lot of representation in events like these. So, I felt like it was time to represent my roots,' Agrima said. She finished fifth last year in KIYG Chennai. But this time, her precision and calm under pressure brought her the podium finish she'd been working towards. 'The medal boosted my confidence. Now I know that if I can do it once, I can do it again. My father has always told me – it's one shot at a time. Don't overthink. Just focus on the next thing. That's exactly what Mr. Bindra did!' While her immediate goal is to get into the National junior squad and win medals at the coming World Cup competitions, she also dreams of meeting Abhinav Bindra someday. 'I'd probably be dumbstruck, but I will surely thank him. His story has kept me going. And I know it has inspired a whole generation of athletes like me,' she said.
United News of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Sportspersons rally behind armed forces amid India-Pak tension
New Delhi, May 8 (UNI) As tensions escalate in parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and along the border, leading Indian athletes have come out in strong support of the Indian Armed Forces, lauding their courage and expressing solidarity through heartfelt messages on social media. Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra was among the first to post, stating, "Thinking of our brave personnel in uniform as they carry out operations to keep our nation safe. Grateful for your courage, sacrifice, and service. Praying for your safety always. Jai Hind." Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Neeraj Chopra echoed similar sentiments, writing, "We are proud of our Brave Indian Armed Forces who are fighting for our nation against terrorism. Let's do our part and make sure to follow guidelines to ensure everyone's safety during this time...." Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad made a pointed remark in a strongly-worded tweet, referring to Pakistan as a "rogue state" and stating that "India will screw them like how." Joining them, former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu prayed for peace and stability, saying, "Prayers for peace and safety in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and other parts of India along the border. Hoping for strength, security and swift resolution for everyone affected. Jai Hind!" Meanwhile, current and former cricketers including Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Aakash Chopra, and Pragyan Ojha have also shared posts reacting to the developments, though their statements remain awaited. UNI BDN SSP
India Today
08-05-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Abhinav Bindra extends gratitude to Indian army as Pakistan escalates border tensions
Legendary Indian shooter and Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra expressed his gratitude to the Indian armed forces amid rising tensions on the border with Pakistan. Pakistan escalated the tense situation to a dangerous level by firing a swarm of drones and missiles into India. Areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan saw attacks and activated its air defence system and shot down the swarm of fighter jets and eight missiles that were directed at vital installations. As the Indian armed forces continued to thwart Pakistan's attempts to attack India, Bindra expressed his gratitude to the army, thanking them for their sacrifice and of our brave personnel in uniform as they carry out operations to keep our nation safe. Grateful for your courage, sacrifice, and service. Praying for your safety always. Jai Hind,' wrote Bindra on his X account. Earlier, several cricketers such as Virender Sehwag, Venkatesh Prasad, Shikhar Dhawan amongst others also hailed the Indian army and called out Pakistan for escalating the Match 58 of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025), played at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, has been called off due to attacks from Pakistan in various parts of India. Keeping everyone's safety in mind, the IPL governing council decided to call off the match midway, informed Devajit Saikia in a media chairman Arun Dhumal has said that they're awaiting government directives before deciding on the continuation of the league amid the military clash with Pakistan. However, the next fixture between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to be played in Lucknow on May 9 is going to take place as per the schedule as of now."We are reviewing the situation right now. It is an evolving situation. We haven't received any directive from the government. Obviously the decision will be taken keeping all the logistics in mind," Dhumal told PTI.
