Date:04/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/04/stories/2008120457031900.htm

Sport

Bindra nominated by Sports Illustrated

NEW DELHI: Beijing Olympics gold medallist Abhinav Bindra was nominated for the sportsman of the year award by the Sports Illustrated.

The first individual Olympic gold medallist for India was lauded on the historic achievement by the magazine, as it wrote: “With his performance in the 10-metre air rifle, Bindra became India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist ever. That makes him a canary in the coal mine of one of the most fascinating countries in the developing world. Much as Liu Xiang, heralded China’s newfound prosperity and confidence with a hurdling gold at the Athens Games in 2004, Bindra is emblematic of further tectonic change afoot.”

Michael Phelps may be the overwhelming favourite for the whole world for his record eight-gold haul at the Water Cube in Beijing, but it was some recognition for India to have a nomination in the prestigious American magazine. — Special Correspondent