| Indian shooter Date of Birth: 28.09.1982 Country: India |
Abhinav Bindra, born on September 28, 1982, is an Indian shooter who emerged as a national sensation after his historic victory at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Bindra's journey in shooting began at the early age of 15 when he joined the Indian national shooting team in 2000.
Abhinav Bindra's most remarkable achievement came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he became the first Indian to win a gold medal in an individual event. In the men's 10m air rifle competition, Bindra faced a nail-biting battle with Finland's Henri Häkkinen. With only one shot remaining, both shooters were tied, but Bindra clinched the victory with an exceptional shot of 10.8, securing the gold medal while Häkkinen finished third.
Prior to his Olympic triumph, Bindra had already established himself as a world-renowned shooter. He became the World Champion in 2006 and won two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and 2006. Bindra also participated in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games, demonstrating his consistent performance at the highest level.
Bindra's historic victory at the Beijing Olympics garnered him immense recognition and accolades in India. He received a series of awards and cash bonuses from both the government and private organizations. Notably, renowned businessman Lakshmi Mittal presented him with an equivalent of $325,000, while the Indian government awarded him approximately $110,000. Bindra was also bestowed with India's highest sporting honors, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and the Arjuna Award. Furthermore, the Indian Railways Ministry granted him a lifetime free rail pass.
Abhinav Bindra stands 173 cm tall and weighs approximately 65.5 kg. He holds a degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder in the United States. Bindra's dedication to shooting and his unwavering determination have made him an inspiration for countless young athletes in India and beyond.