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Updated August 11th, 2020 at 16:22 IST

Abhinav Bindra did commando training, used Chinese pellets to become an Olympic medallist

On the anniversary of Abhinav Bindra winning the gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Bindra opened up on his meticulous preparation in 2008.

Reported by: Wasiq Agha
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Retired shooter Abhinav Bindra is the only individual Olympic gold medallist from India. The 37-year-old won his gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 10-meter air rifle event. Over the years, the Padma Bhushan awardee has become one of the most iconic voices when it comes to Indian sport. On the anniversary of Bindra’s historic achievement, an Olympic Channel report has given a sneak peek into what went behind the scenes when Abhinav Bindra prepared for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Also Read: Abhinav Bindra Clinched India's First Ever Individual Olympic Gold Medal OTD In 2008

Abhinav Bindra 2008: Shooter’s meticulous preparation for 2008 Olympics

In his autobiography "A Shot At History” Abhinav Bindra had discussed how he took commando training ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics to prepare for the event. Bindra’s then consultant coach Uwe Riesterer decided to take him through a week of commando training ahead of the event. The high-intensity training required Bindra to cross a log of wood across a 50-60-foot divide, then complete a Burma Bridge, climb up a rock climbing wall and ultimately get on top of a 40-foot high pole. Sharing his experience of completing the commando training, Abhinav Bindra had later admitted how he had to conquer his fears after he decided halfway through the training that he could not go on.

Also Read: Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor Updates On Abhinav Bindra Biopic, Calls It A 'game-changer'

Abhinav Bindra gold medal training involved dress rehearsals and creating Beijing in Chandigarh

On realising that the shooting hall for the 2008 Beijing Olympics was unusually large, Abhinav Bindra proceeded to hire a marriage hall in Chandigarh, setting up a mock range and training in it to simulate the environment. In the past, Bindra has often spoken on the ‘mock drills’ he would take part in Germany to get a feel of the conditions. Abhinav Bindra trained with coaches Heinz Reinkemeier and Gabriele Buhlmann where the trio went through every scenario and possibility in detail. Discussing an experience from his training, Abhinav Bindra mentioned how, before the shot, Buhlmann would distract him by telling him that he was tied for the lead and had to shoot his best shot.

Also Read: Abhinav Bindra Appointed By Bajaj Auto As Independent Director Till May 2025

Abhinav Bindra record: 2008 gold medallist used Chinese pellets in Olympics prep

Talking about his meticulous approach while preparing for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Abhinav Bindra shared the lengths he went to practice with Chinese pellets. When the Chinese manufacturer was reluctant to sell pellets to the athlete, Bindra proceeded to get 10,000 rounds from a friend in Hong Kong. Talking about their use, Abhinav Bindra later explained that he used to weigh each pellet on a sensitive scale and then study it under a magnifying glass. He also mentioned how no defective Chinese pellet was used by him even during practice and how practising with the pellets helped him improve his accuracy.

Also Read: A Red, White And Blue Olympics In Los Angeles In 1984

Image Courtesy: Twitter/weareteamindia

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Published August 11th, 2020 at 16:22 IST

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