The Saga of Abhinav Bindra Written by Dr. Amrik Singh from Sacramento

His gold came like the rainfall in a parched land. He struck the chord that lilted hearts of a billion Indians. He shot near perfect in the bull's eye. Many a foot rose in unison to the beat of the drum. He had done it! The history recorded it as the first Solo Olympic Gold of Independent India. Punjab at the crest again figured in our discourses. He practiced his best shots in Zirkpur (Mohali) Punjab. The small town in the outskirts of Chandigarh struggled for a legal recognition due to the Chandigarh Periphery Act. The beleaguered residents now feel, it is almost over because an auspicious star has risen in its skies. It is a time for celebrations. No mean looks, no rivalry, no politics, no bad word can obscure the golden shine. Abhinav created a heartthrob in millions who are capable of striking the gold mine, but may not be lucky to be on the roster.  Will Abhinav be their leader in Gold tally?

Yes, if the bad shooters in politics won't make him their prized victim. If we ring them out and ring in those who aim at the bull's-eye, India could be the nation of performers as a replacement for manipulators.  Abhinav appears to beckon us to take pride in what is best in us and ignore all that provokes the worst.

 At the time Abhinav in Beijing was concentrating on 'shooting good shots', his parents were offering prayers in Sector 8 Gurdwara in Chandigarh. A few hours later, their wish was granted. Abhinav had no idea of making the history. His goal was to 'shoot well and shoot aggressively.'

Abhinav's earlier recognitions paved the way for his ace achievement in Beijing. Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal wasted no time in announcing 10 millions Rupees for 'the Son of Punjab.' The windfall of wealth continues to come in his way.  The saga of Abhinav Bindra's success will create a desire in millions of youths to go his way. But they need parents like Bindra’s. If government of India plays the parental role for the ones who are promising but poor, hundred years of alienation will sure end announcing the dawn of a new era.

 Posted on August 15, 2008

Olympic Beijing Games Egyptian leads Group B weightlifting at 62kg Canada’s Jasvir Singh finished in fifth place Last Updated: Monday, August 11, 2008 | 3:02 AM ET CBC Sports Canada 's Jasvir Singh competes in the men's 62 kg group B weightlifting event during the Beijing Games. (Jung Yeon-Je/Getty Images)

In an exciting finish of the men’s group B 62kg weightlifting competition, only 1kg separated the winner and runner-up on Day 3 of the Beijing Olympic Games. Performing in front of a cheering home crowd was Chinese Taipei’s Yang Sheng-Hsiung, who came a close second by lifting a total of 287kg (130kg in the snatch and 157kg in the clean and jerk).

Taking first place was Egypt’s Mohamed Abd Elbaki, who lifted 288kg in total (129kg in the snatch and 159kg in the clean and jerk). Canada’s Jasvir Singh finished in fifth place out of six competitors, lifting 115kg in the snatch and 151kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 266kg.

Group A of the men’s 62kg class will compete at 7 p.m. Beijing time on Monday.

http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/weightlifting/story/2008/08/11/olympics-weightlifting-62kg.html

Posted on August 11, 2008 (5:00 AM)