New Delhi: Abhinav Bindra had been feeling lonely at the top. Ever since shooting gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he waited for ages for someone to join him as the second individual Olympic gold-medallist from India.
Thirteen years later, Bindra’s wish has been fulfilled – by javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra whose second effort (out of six) of 87.58 metres at Tokyo’s National Stadium on Saturday was good enough to ensure top-of-the-podium finish.
No wonder the celebrated shooter was over the moon after Neeraj’s historic victory was sealed. He thanked Neeraj for fulfilling a nation’s dream and welcomed the athlete ‘to the club’.
“And Gold it is for @Neeraj_chopra1. Take a bow, young man! You have fulfilled a nation’s dream. Thank you! Also, welcome to the club – a much needed addition! Extremely proud. I am so delighted for you,” Bindra tweeted.
He also wrote a personal note addressed to Neeraj and posted a video message for the toast of the nation.
@Neeraj_chopra1 pic.twitter.com/CEWJNDYnjO
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) August 7, 2021