Latest news with #Bindra
News18
4 days ago
- Health
- News18
Abhinav Bindra appointed IOC Mental Health Ambassador for athletes
New Delhi [India], August 15 (ANI): Olympic gold medalist shooter and former athlete Abhinav Bindra has been named one of nine International Olympic Committee (IOC) Mental Health Ambassadors, the IOC announced on Bindra, who won a gold medal in the men's 10m air rifle shooting event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has been a long-time advocate for athlete mental health, according to The Indian shooting ace had been part of the IOC Mental Health Working Group since its inception a few years International Olympic Committee highlighted that mental health is as important as physical health, and no athlete should face challenges Health Ambassadors like Abhinav Bindra are tasked with breaking stigma, encouraging open conversation about mental health and promoting well-being within sport and Bindra has consistently emphasised the need for comprehensive mental health support systems for on his own experiences, he has advocated for proactive measures, education and accessible resources to ensure athletes can thrive both on and off the IOC Mental Health Ambassadors will engage athletes through social media, one-on-one conversations, and IOC educational programs. Their role is to inspire, guide, and provide trusted advice to athletes while helping integrate mental health into high-performance sporting ambassadors include British pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw, Hong Kong China's Camille Cheng, Brazilian Bruno Fratus, and American figure skater Gracie track and field star Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith, Papua New Guinea's swimming legend Ryan Pini, South African sprinter Akani Simbine and Afghan cyclist Masomah Ali ambassador brings unique perspectives and experience to the role, ranging from academic expertise to resilience advocacy, as per per the IOC statement, Abhinav Bindra brings 'his deep experience to the mission of making sport a healthier space for all'. (ANI)
Hans India
11-08-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
17 years ago, a medal was placed around my neck: Abhinav Bindra reminisces about 2008 Beijing Olympic glory
New Delhi: Former India shooter Abhinav Bindra reminisced about his historic gold medal win from the Beijing Olympics in 2008, when he became the country's first individual Olympic gold medallist after finishing in top spot in the men's 10m air rifle event. In a gripping finale of the men's 10m air rifle finals at the Beijing Games, Bindra was tied with Finland's Henri Hakkinen at the top of the standings with one shot remaining. Bindra held his nerve, scoring 10.8 with his last attempt - his highest score of the finals - to see off the challenge of Hakkinen and secure victory. On the 17th anniversary of his trailblazing victory at the Summer Games, Bindra took to X to share his emotion. "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 was the crowning glory in Bindra's stellar sporting career, which includes a World Championship gold and multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. Bindra hung up his rifle after the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he missed a podium spot by a tenth of a point after losing a shoot-off for the top three. The legendary shooter, who featured in five Olympics (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016), was bestowed with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour, as recognition for his efforts in 2009. Bindra is a member of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Athlete Commissions, where he has brought the participants' issues to the fore and helped them in their development. During the IOC's Paris 2024 session, he became the first Indian to receive the Olympic Order, which is the highest award given by the IOC for meritorious services, for his outstanding contribution to the Olympic Movement.
Time of India
11-08-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'It truly belonged to a nation' - On this day, 17 years ago, Abhinav Bindra won India's first individual gold at Olympics
New Delhi: Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra during the launch of Galaxy Empowered, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming education in india, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo) 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. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 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." Poll 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Undo 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!
Time of India
06-08-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
‘If we are serious about 2036 bid, we must invest in our athletes'
Pune: Among Olympic gold medal-winning shooter 's other talents, clarity of thought tops the chart. His views on India's intent to host the 2036 Olympic Games are as straightforward as the trajectory of his pellets during his shooting days. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'It is encouraging to see India express a serious interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. This moment reflects not just an aspiration to organise a global sporting event, but a broader belief in what sport can do for a country on how it can inspire a generation, build community, drive infrastructure and become a powerful force for national development,' Bindra told TOI during his visit to Pune. The five-time Olympian was in the city to inaugurate the physiotherapy department at the Sancheti Hospital. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'While we still have work to do in terms of physical readiness, the conversation itself marks a significant shift. Infrastructure can and will be built but more importantly, we now have an opportunity to develop systems that centre around the athlete. Hosting the Games must not become an end in itself; it should be the beginning of a long-term commitment to strengthening grassroots participation, embedding sports science and education into our structures, and creating high-performance pathways that are inclusive and sustainable,' Bindra, 42, said. Poll Do you support India's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games? Yes No Undecided He added, 'The last few years have shown that Indian athletes are capable of world-class performances. If we are serious about bidding for 2036, the coming decade must be used not just to build venues, but to invest deeply in our athletes so that by the time we are ready to host, we are also truly ready to compete.'
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Unless PE teachers get their due, sports will not flourish, says Abhinav Bindra at Telangana sports conclave
Hyderabad: Beijing Olympics gold medallist Abhinav Bindra on Saturday said the physical education (PE) teachers in schools should be made role models for children. Speaking at a panel discussion 'Expanding Community Sports and Advancing Physical Literacy in Telangana', the veteran shooter also drew comparisons between India's system and the US collegiate model. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'A child usually forms their first connection with a PE teacher, but unfortunately, they are seen at the lowest level in the school system. In the US, however, PE teachers are among the most respected,' Bindra added. Backing his views were former international volleyball player Ravikanth Reddy and World Athletics Federation vice-president Adille Sumariwalla. 'This is a key area that needs attention,' Reddy said. Sumariwalla added that unless PE teachers are given proper respect, sports at the grassroots level will not flourish. 'Sports must become an integral part of the education system. Only then can we achieve top results,' he said. Sumariwalla added that Telangana's sports policy would show results once grassroots coaches start delivering. 'Only practice does not make perfect, but perfect practice makes perfect,' he added. On how to encourage parents to send their children to playgrounds, experts said the focus should be on building proper infrastructure and creating more opportunities. 'The mindset of parents will change once they see real opportunities in sports,' they said, adding that parents also need to be sensitised on how sports support a child's overall development. 'Sports marks can be included in report cards and counted in the overall grades. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Also, schools should make sure at least one hour every day is set aside for sports.' Dual career pathway Bindra said that instead of forcing policy on children, a supportive environment should be created. 'Community participation is key to building a sporting culture, which is why cricket is so popular in India,' he added. Sports should offer dual career pathways for athletes. 'In the US, most athletes come through the college system because the pathway is built into it. We should not view sports only as a way to win medals,' the shooter said. Experts concluded by saying that the sports policy should also focus on how sports could improve the health and fitness of the wider community.
