As India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, Abhinav Bindra understands the pressures of competing on the world’s biggest stage. He offered a simple piece of advice to athletes aiming for the podium at the upcoming Paris Games: stay in the moment and maintain a flexible mindset. Bindra, who achieved his historic victory in the men’s 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, expressed his desire for Indian athletes to relish their participation in this global sporting extravaganza.
“I want to wish all the athletes the very best of luck,” Bindra stated during a meet and greet program organized by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Monday. “They’ve done us all proud already by giving it their all and doing consistently well over so many competitions. And now it’s their moment to shine on the world stage.”
He highlighted the significance of the Olympics as a platform for sport, emphasizing that the world eagerly anticipates their performance. “The whole country is waiting for our athletes to do their best and make us all proud. “I would just want them to give their best to stay in the moment, to remain flexible in mindset and just back the work that they had put in. You know, true confidence comes from the effort that has been put in over a consistent period of time, which I’m sure they have,” the 41-year-old added.
Two-time Asian Games gold medalist and Asian champion shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who is set to compete in Paris, remarked that Neeraj Chopra’s gold medal win in Tokyo has served as inspiration for other track and field athletes. “Our athletes are performing well and they will win medals in the Olympics. Since Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics, other athletes also want to win medals for their country,” Toor said.
Kishore Kumar Jena, Asian Games silver medalist in javelin throw, expressed his own Olympic aspirations alongside Chopra. Jena, who will also be participating in the Paris Olympics, hopes that India will achieve its best-ever medal haul in athletics. “We take pride in representing our country. It is a matter of happiness that many have qualified for the Olympics from India, and we hope to win the highest number of medals,” Jena said. “The journey has not been easy, it has involved a lot of hard work, staying away from home, and practicing day and night.”
Jena expressed satisfaction with his preparations for the Paris Games, stating, “Preparations are going well, and we are determined to perform at our best and give 100 per cent. “Since 2021, I have been at the national camp in Patiala, receiving full support from the Indian government to enhance my game.”
Sprinter Hima Das, who was unable to qualify for the Paris Games due to fitness issues, lauded the AFI for their unwavering support to athletes. “As an athlete, I will say that everyone should give their best. The Athletics Federation of India has helped athletes reach this level and now it is your turn to show them your achievements,” said Das, known as the “Dhing Express” from Assam.
