Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, knows all too well about handling pressure on the big stage and has a simple advice for those aiming to finish on the podium at the upcoming Paris Olympics — stay in the present and keep a flexible mind.
Bindra, who won the gold medal in the men's 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, wants Indian athletes to enjoy their time at the world's biggest sporting event.
“I would like to wish all the athletes all the best. They have already made us all proud by giving their best and performing consistently well in many competitions. And now it is their time to shine on the world stage,” Bindra said during a meet-and-greet event organised by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Monday.
“The Olympics is the biggest stage for sports in the world and the whole world is waiting to welcome them. The whole country is waiting for our athletes to perform their best and make us all proud.
“I just want them to give their best to stay in the present, stay flexible in mindset and trust the work that they have done. You know, true confidence comes from effort that is put in consistently over a period of time, and I'm sure they have done that,” the 41-year-old added.
Two-time Asian Games gold medallist and Asian champion shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who will be heading to Paris, said star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra’s gold-medal-winning feat in Tokyo has inspired other track-and-field athletes.
He said, “Our athletes are performing well and they will win medals in the Olympics. Since Neeraj Chopra has won the gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics, other athletes also want to win medals for their country.”
Asian Games silver medallist javelin thrower Kishore Kumar Jena, who will also compete at the Paris Olympics along with Chopra, hopes India will achieve its best ever medal haul in athletics in Paris.
He said, “We are proud to represent our country. It is a matter of joy that many players from India have qualified for the Olympics and we hope that we will win the maximum number of medals.”
“This journey has not been easy, it took a lot of hard work, staying away from home and practising day and night.” Jena said she is satisfied with her preparations for the Paris Games.
“The preparations are going well and we are determined to do our best and give our 100 per cent.
He said, “Since 2021 I am in the national camp in Patiala and getting full support from the Government of India to improve my game.” Sprinter Hima Das, who could not participate in the Paris qualification due to fitness issues, praised the AFI for the unwavering support extended to the athletes.
“As an athlete, I would say that everyone should give their best. The Athletics Federation of India has helped the athletes reach this level and now it is your turn to show them your achievements,” the Assamese athlete, popularly known as the Dhing Express, said.
