Chandigarh, As India's first individual Olympic gold medalist, Abhinav Bindra knows a thing or two about handling the pressure of the big stage and has simple advice for those aiming for the podium at the upcoming Paris Games: Stay in the moment and have a flexible mind.
Bindra, who won the yellow metal 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 spectacle.
"I want to wish all the athletes the best of luck. You have already made us all proud by giving your all and consistently doing well in so many competitions. And now it is your time to shine on the world stage," Bindra said during a program meet and greet event organized by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) here on Monday.
"The Olympic Games are the biggest platform for sport in the world, and the whole world is waiting to welcome them. The whole country is waiting for our athletes to give their best and make us all proud.
"I'd just like them to do their best to stay in the moment, stay flexible in their mindset, and just stand behind the work that they've put in. You know, true confidence comes from effort that's been put in over a consistent period of time, something I'm sure they have," the 41-year-old added.
Two-time Asian Games gold medalist and Asian shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who is heading to Paris, said star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra's gold medal-winning feat in Tokyo has inspired other track and field athletes.
"Our athletes are performing well and 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 his country," he said.
Asian Games silver medalist javelin thrower Kishore Kumar Jena, who will also participate in the Paris Olympics along with Chopra, hopes that India will achieve its best medal haul in athletics in Paris.
"We are proud to represent our country. It is a matter of happiness that many Indians have qualified for the Olympics and we hope to win the maximum number of medals," he said.
"The journey has not been easy, it has involved a lot of hard work, being away from home and practicing day and night."
Jena said he was satisfied with his preparation for the Paris Games.
"Preparations are going well and we are determined to do our best and give 100 percent.
“Since 2021, I am in the national camp in Patiala and I am getting all the support from the Indian government to improve my game.”
Sprinter Hima Das, who was not eligible for the Paris qualification due to fitness issues, praised the AFI for his unwavering support to the 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 the athlete from Assam, nicknamed Dhing Express.
Bindra, who won the yellow metal 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 spectacle.
"I want to wish all the athletes the best of luck. You have already made us all proud by giving your all and consistently doing well in so many competitions. And now it is your time to shine on the world stage," Bindra said during a program meet and greet event organized by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) here on Monday.
"The Olympic Games are the biggest platform for sport in the world, and the whole world is waiting to welcome them. The whole country is waiting for our athletes to give their best and make us all proud.
"I'd just like them to do their best to stay in the moment, stay flexible in their mindset, and just stand behind the work that they've put in. You know, true confidence comes from effort that's been put in over a consistent period of time, something I'm sure they have," the 41-year-old added.
Two-time Asian Games gold medalist and Asian shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who is heading to Paris, said star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra's gold medal-winning feat in Tokyo has inspired other track and field athletes.
"Our athletes are performing well and 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 his country," he said.
Asian Games silver medalist javelin thrower Kishore Kumar Jena, who will also participate in the Paris Olympics along with Chopra, hopes that India will achieve its best medal haul in athletics in Paris.
"We are proud to represent our country. It is a matter of happiness that many Indians have qualified for the Olympics and we hope to win the maximum number of medals," he said.
"The journey has not been easy, it has involved a lot of hard work, being away from home and practicing day and night."
Jena said he was satisfied with his preparation for the Paris Games.
"Preparations are going well and we are determined to do our best and give 100 percent.
“Since 2021, I am in the national camp in Patiala and I am getting all the support from the Indian government to improve my game.”
Sprinter Hima Das, who was not eligible for the Paris qualification due to fitness issues, praised the AFI for his unwavering support to the 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 the athlete from Assam, nicknamed Dhing Express.
