Press Release
A German touch to Indias Olympic Aspirations

I am very proud to be the flag bearer of the Indian contingent at the Olympics said Abhinav Bindra - Indias only individual gold medallist at the Olympics, today. This was at a special reception held to honour him by the Ambassador of India to Germany Mr. Gurjit Singh and his wife Mrs. Neeru Singh at the India House in Berlin.

Speaking to a large gathering of Germans and Indians from various walks of life, Abhinav Bindra, who had just flown in from a competition from Munich said that shooting was his passion and he was happy to dedicate his time to excellence. Mr. Bindra said that he was a regular visitor to Germany as he trained here. He indicated that this would be his last Olympics and he was doubly determined to bring home a medal. During his interaction with the audience, he recounted his early childhood experiences and the reasons for him to take up shooting. He also answered questions related to his training regime.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Gurjit Singh introduced Mr. Abhinav Bindra as a youth icon of India who, at a young age had done in 2008 what no Indian had ever done before. He had won an individual gold medal in 10m rifle shooting. This had given a fillip to non cricketing sport in India and brought to the fore many new passionate sportsmen and support for them from government and other sources. It was dedicated professionals like Abhinav Bindra who bought the modicum of emphatic dedication to the youth of India, for which he was indeed an icon. Ambassador Singh also mentioned that ESPN had declared Mr. Bindras Gold Medal win in 2008 as Indias greatest sporting moment which he fully endorsed.

Shri. Gurjit Singh is a passionate sports lover himself and he used the occasion to have an interaction of the normally reticent Mr. Bindra with a very interested audience. Mr. Bindra, spoke to a wide section of people and shared his experiences, his passion and what he hoped to do ahead.