The Hindu : Sport : Bindra hopes his medal will inspire others

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Bindra hopes his medal will inspire others

Sports Reporter

— Photo: A. Muralitharan

FELICITATION: Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra being honoured by SRM University, Chennai, on Sunday.

CHENNAI: Abhinav Bindra’s ace marksmanship in the Beijing Olympics may have marked a watershed in Indian sport, but fans across the country continue to be puzzled over the shooter’s rather subdued celebration on the momentous occasion.

“I was totally excited and celebrating within the space between my ears,” said the characteristically demure Bindra at SRM University here on Sunday where he was conferred an honorary ‘Doctor of Literature’ degree.

Delivering a short address to the large gathering of fresh graduates, Bindra said he hoped his gold would inspire other sportspersons to better India’s three-medal haul in the future. “A lot of work needs to be done to organise sports infrastructure at the State level. We require top-class coaching at the junior level to promote young talent. I will be happy to be associated with any endeavour to promote sport in the country,” he said.

Sports temper

Bindra also stressed on the cultivation of a sports temper among students in institutions much on the lines of a scientific temper. “Talented sportspersons should seriously consider making a career for themselves in sport. Regular physical activity is beneficial for the body as well as the mind.”

On his first trip to Chennai, the soft-spoken shooter also lauded SRM University for “showing the way to other institutions as far as developing a base for sports infrastructure is concerned.”

Later, laying the foundation stone for the SRM Sports Academy, Bindra was bombarded with an eclectic set of questions.

While an athletically-oriented student wanted to know the correct procedure for acquiring technical and financial help, another query sought the gunman’s permission to display a collection of his autographs on the college bulletin board.

Overcome doubts

On being asked if he was at any stage doubtful of being a medal contender at Beijing, Bindra replied with trademark brevity: “There are always doubts, but one has to overcome them.”

Speaking before his beaming parents and a public relations officer who promised a one-on-one with the star only after being assured of a “front page write-up”, Bindra said the past fortnight had been “very, very busy”.

“I am tired and burnt out as far as shooting is concerned. I need some time off now. Call me in five months if you want to know my plans.”

Presenting a cheque of Rs. 5,00,000 to Bindra, SRM University Chancellor T.R. Pachamuthu also announced the sanction of a shooting range that would be developed on the campus at an expense of two crore rupees.

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