The Hindu : Sport : Sportspersons hail Bindra’s success

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Sportspersons hail Bindra’s success

Sports Bureau

NEW DELHI: Sports personalities hailed Abhinav Bindra on Monday on his fantastic achievement in Beijing and termed his performance as the greatest in the country’s sporting history.

We give below their reactions.

Milkha Singh: It is the greatest sporting achievement for India. I know hockey had its glorious run and some of the athletes made it to the finals at various Olympic Games but nothing can match Abhinav’s feat. He has shown the way for those who want to make it big with his motivating performance.

His dedication and discipline is worthy of a rich award and in my opinion he deserves the Bharat Ratna.

Viswanathan Anand: I woke up this morning and read that we have got a gold. I was really happy. I think Abhinav has done all of us proud. Shooting is also a sport that needs a lot of concentration and he seems to have kept himself with a lot of focus till the end.

I am sure he will never forget the moment when he climbed the podium. Everyone only sees the winning moment but as sportspersons we all know the hours of dedication and ambition that go into every event. Sometimes very little distinguishes victory from defeat.

I am happy for Abhinav that everything has come together at the right moment. I am sure our contingent there will be motivated now to aim for more. My wishes to Abhinav and his family as this gold will go down as one of India’s finest sporting hours. Congratulations.

Ramanathan Krishnan: When I saw the final moments I was moved to tears. They are tears of joy.

I know it is a rare occasion, and I want to keep on watching itI’m enjoying every frame. I cannot express my feeling in words.

Gurbachan Singh Randhawa: This is the biggest achievement in Indian sports. We feel so proud of him. This should uplift Indian sports as a whole and serve as a morale-booster for the rest of our contingent in Beijing.

Bindra has shown how we can come up in sports through sincere, dedicated efforts. He has removed the stigma of Indian sports not getting an Olympic gold.

P.T. Usha: Bindra has shown that if we work hard we can win an Olympic gold. Everyone laughs when we talk of an Olympic medal. Now, no one will laugh. For, Bindra has shown the way to many youngsters.

The younger generation should get motivated by watching this performance. But I hope the country won’t just celebrate for two weeks and forget about everything a month or so later. When Rathore won the silver in Athens we were all elated, but soon we started hearing about ammunition shortage and poor facilities. We have to rectify that if we have to build on Bindra’s memorable achievement in Beijing.

Bhaichung Bhutia: It is undoubtedly the greatest achievement for any sport in India. The gold means so much for Abhinav Bindra individually.

To excel at the Olympics is every sportsman’s dream and this has come at the right time for the young generation to get inspiration from. It will surely have a positive impact and I hope the nation will become more sporting. Ashok Kumar: As a hockey player, I feel happy to see a gold medallist in a different discipline. The gold by Abhinav is an indication of things to come and I hope the young generation of our country derives all the motivation needed to take Indian sport ahead.

Kapil Dev: Hats off! One of the finest moments in the history of India. A young man has inspired a young generation to rise and be counted. This performance by Abhinav will open the eyes of the society and the government to the importance of making sports a way of life.

I hope the sports budget is increased for India to discover more and more Abhinav Bindras. His gold will change the face of our country’s sports and I am sure today’s young India will take a lead from Abhinav.

Anil Kumble: That’s a great effort. Winning an Olympic medal is something really special. My congratulations, and on behalf of the Indian cricket team, congratulations to Abhinav Bindra.

M.S. Dhoni: It is a great achievement. I would have loved to wish him in person. I think this will inspire the rest of the Indian contingent in Beijing.

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