NEW DELHI: Abhinav Bindra, the first Indian to win an individual Olympic gold medal, is well-versed in managing the immense pressure that comes with competing on the grandest stage.
For athletes striving to reach the podium at the upcoming Paris Games, he offers straightforward guidance: remain present and maintain an adaptable mindset.
As someone who achieved the pinnacle of success by securing the gold in the men's 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Bindra encourages Indian competitors to savour their experience at the world's most prestigious sporting event.
"I want to wish all the athletes the very best of luck. They've done us all proud already by giving it their all and doing consistently well over so many competitions. And now it's their moment to shine on the world stage," PTI quoted Bindra as saying during a meet and greet programme organised by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) in Chandigarh on Monday.
"The Olympics is the greatest platform to sport in the world, and the whole world is waiting to welcome them. The whole country is waiting for our athletes to do their best and make us all proud.
"I would just want them to give their best to stay in the moment, to remain flexible in mindset and just back the work that they had put in. You know, true confidence comes from the effort that has been put in over a consistent period of time, which I'm sure they have," the 41-year-old added.
Shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who has won two gold medals at the Asian Games and is also an Asian champion, is set to compete in Paris. He acknowledged the impact of Neeraj Chopra's remarkable achievement at the Tokyo Olympics, where the javelin thrower secured a historic gold medal for India.
Toor believes that Neeraj's success has served as a source of inspiration for other athletes in the track-and-field disciplines.
"Our athletes are performing well and they 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 their country," he said.
Kishore Kumar Jena, a javelin thrower who secured a silver medal at the Asian Games, is set to compete alongside Neeraj in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Jena has high expectations for the Indian athletics team's performance in Paris, believing they have the potential to achieve their greatest medal haul to date.
"We take pride in representing our country. It is a matter of happiness that many have qualified for the Olympics from India, and we hope to win the highest number of medals," he said.
"The journey has not been easy, it has involved a lot of hard work, staying away from home, and practising day and night."
Jena expressed satisfaction with his preparation for the Paris Games.
"Preparations are going well, and we are determined to perform at our best and give 100 per cent.
"Since 2021, I have been at the national camp in Patiala, receiving full support from the Indian government to enhance my game."
Sprinter Hima Das, who was unable to attempt Paris qualification due to fitness issues, praised the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for its 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, who is nicknamed Dhing Express.
