Abhinav Bindra

Abhinav Bindra (born 28 September 1982) is an Indian former sport shooter and the first Indian to win an individual Olympic gold medal. He won the gold in the 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with a score of 700.5 — a historic achievement that remains one of Indian sport's greatest moments. Born in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Bindra came from a wealthy business family. He began shooting at age 15 and quickly showed exceptional talent. He qualified for the 2000 Sydney Olympics at just 17, becoming one of the youngest Indian Olympians. Though he didn't medal, the experience ignited his determination to win gold. After years of intense training and multiple World Championship medals, Bindra achieved his dream at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His final shot of 10.8 in the 10m air rifle final secured him the gold medal. The image of Bindra breaking into tears after his winning shot became one of Indian sports' most emotional moments. He was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and later the Padma Vibhushan. After retiring from competitive shooting, Bindra has been a prominent sports administrator and entrepreneur. He established the Abhinav Bindra Targeting Performance (ABTP) centers, which provide world-class sports science and training facilities to Indian athletes. He served as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and has been a vocal advocate for clean sport and anti-doping. He was also appointed as the first Chairman of the Athletes Commission of the Indian Olympic Association.