Olympics: Wrestler Sushil Kumar wins bronze medal

BEIJING: Freestyle wrestler Sushil Kumar gave India its second medal in the on going Olympics when he defeated the Kazak opponent. ( Watch )

Earlier, Sushil Kumar lost to Ukrainian Andriy Stadnik on points after being pegged down 3-8 on technical points.

While the luck of the draw gave Sushil a bye in the first round, giving him a start straightaway in the quarterfinals, Standnik had to beat 2007 world no. 5 American Doug Schwab in the round of 16 to move further. ( Watch )

In the quarters, Stadnik, a former World Cup winner and 2006 World Championship bronze medallist, out-played the Indian. As Stadnik, quarterfinalist at the 2007 World Championships, moved into the final, all those who lost to him came through to the Repechage, which will decide the two bronze medallists.

In the Repechage first round, Sushil meets Schwab and their winner will meet Belarussian Albert Batyrov. Sushil will need to win a third bout after that to get himself a bronze.

Schwab was fifth at the last World Championships, where Sushil was seventh.

Coming through to the final from the other half of the category is Turkish wrestler Ramazan Shahin, who won the gold medal in the 2007 World Championships, besides claiming the first place in the 2008 European meet.

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Wrestler Sushil Kumar gives India second medal in Beijing Olympics ….

As usual when all of us are busy getting updates on  India-Srilanka cricket macth , great news came from an unexpected corner. Indian Wrestler Sushil Kumar won bronze medal today in 66 kg free style wrestling at Beijing Olympics. This is the second medal for India in ongoing Olympics.

Sushil Kumar,Bronze Medailst

Earlier, Sushil Kumar lost to Ukranian Andriy Stadnik and left the hopes  hinging on the repechage. Then he won three consecutive matches to win bronze medal for India. He first defeated American Doug Schwab, then Belarussian Albert Batyrov and finally Leonid Spiridonov of Kazakhstan to win bronze medal. click here for more news

This unknown wrestler made us proud by his great come back to win the bronze medal. This is the second time India is winning medal in wrestling.  In 1952 Helsinki Games, Indian Wrestler Kashabha Jadhav won bronze medal in wrestling. This is also the first time since 1952, India is winning more than one medal in an Olympics. Earlier Abhinav Bidnra won gold for India in Shooting.

Now we have to hope for 2 more medals in boxing today evening as two indian boxers Vijendra & Jithendra will be playing their quarter final match. For more news on Sushil Kumar click here

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Highlights of London handover performance at Beijing Olympics closing ceremony

    BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The following are the highlights of the London 2012 Olympic Games handover performance at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games on Sunday night.

    London 2012 presents a spectacular eight-minute cultural performance heralding the start of the four-year countdown to the next Olympic Games.

    -- The dramatic transformation of the bus into a stage for the headline performers as the roof opens out into petal-shaped sections. The scene inside is predominantly green with lush grass and a hedge cut into the shape of the London skyline. This reflects the greenness of London and the UK -- from green fields, Royal Parks and country gardens to famous sports fields: the green lawn courts of Wimbledon, the new Wembley and Lord's Cricket Ground -- all of which are venues for the London 2012 Games.

    The transformation of the famous London bus also provides a powerful example of the urban and practical being transformed into the dynamic and spectacular, symbolizing London's vision to use the power of the Games as a catalyst for change.

    -- Appearance of three great Team GB cycling Olympians chasing the bus -- Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and Shanaze Reade -- enable the people to celebrate the central role of athletes in the London Games, the unprecedented success of Team GB at the Beijing Games, and particularly the outstanding medal haul of the Team GB cyclists.

    -- A handover of a treasured English football by a child of the world to a child of London that takes place by the bus -- a symbolic gesture reflecting the importance of friendship and young people to the Olympic Movement.

    -- The dramatic appearance of singer Leona Lewis and guitarist Jimmy Page on high-rising elevators, emerging from within the bus. Jimmy performs one of the most famous guitar riffs in the world -- a riff which he wrote. Jimmy and Leona then create a unique duet playing the Led Zeppelin classic, "Whole Lotta Love."

    -- The child of London gives the football to worldwide soccer icon David Beckham, who kicks the ball to athletes gathered in the stadium for the closing ceremony. This symbolizes the power of sport to unite the world and the importance of sport for young people, a central theme of the London 2012 Games.

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BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Drummers performs during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China.

 

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Zhang Ning of China carries her countrys flag into the National Stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: A general view of the festivities in Beijing National Stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Performers dance during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Beijing National Stadium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Georgina and Caroline Evers-Swindell of New Zealand carry their countrys flag into the National Stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Basketball player Lauren Jackson of Australia is pictured during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee waves the Olympic flag watched by London Mayor Boris Johnson during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Athletes from Canada walk into the Beijing National Stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Archer Khatuna Lorig carries the flag for the United States during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: London Mayor Boris Johnson waves the Olympic flag during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Liu Qi, President of BOCOG talks as Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee looks on while the olympic flame burns in the cauldron above the stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Canadian Athletes show their colours during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Fireworks ignite over The Beijing National Stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: A Conductor leads the band during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: A general view of the festivities in Beijing National Stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Drummers perform in the National Stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Archer Khatuna Lorig of the United States of America carries her countrys flag into the National Stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: A general view of the festivities during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Performers are pictured during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Drummers perform in the National Stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: A general view of the flags during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Performers ride a bicycle during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Beijing National Stadium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Basketball player Yao Ming of China is seen in the National Stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Athletes from Canada walk into the Beijing National Stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Liu Qi, President of BOCOG talks as Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee looks on during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Artistes perform at the National Stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: A general view of the festivities in Beijing National Stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Badminton player Zhang Ning of China carries the flag with Swimmer Stephanie Rice of Australia during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Footballer David Beckham during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: A general view during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Artistes perform at the National Stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Lopez Lomong of the United States takes a during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Performers are pictured during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Performers are seen during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: A band performs during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: A general view of the festivities in Beijing National Stadium during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: A dancer performs during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Chris Hoy of Great Britain carries the flag during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Drummers perform during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at The Beijing National Stadium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

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Scenes From the Opening Ceremony

Scenes from the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games 2008:

Opening Ceremony

The Beijing Olympics will kick off in less than an hour (8:08PM local time) today. Unfortunately, Beijing is shrouded in fog and haze, and is sweltering in hot and humid conditions.

Those who are in the Bird's Nest stadium tonight will experience temperatures in the low 30s Celsius and humidity above 80%.

However, Jacques Rogge (President of the IOC) remains optimistic, he is quoted on Bloomberg:

"The fog does not mean necessarily pollution.

We prefer clear skies but the most important thing is that the health of the athletes is protected."

The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

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Olympics some facts

Closing Ceremony

All good things come to an end, so it is with the Olympics as thoughts now turn to the closing ceremony in Beijing on 24th August.

Spanish tenor Placido Domingo will perform with Chinese soprano star Song Zuying on the last day. Following on from the fuss over certain TV "enhancements" made to the opening ceremony, it is assumed that they will both be live and not CGI animations!

The closing program will also feature elements of southwestern China's Yunnan culture, together with a kung fu display featuring 350 practitioners from a local martial arts school and 60 players of the Chinese string instrument "erhu."

There will also be an 8 minute dance show to mark the handover from Beijing to London for the 2012 games. Seemingly David Beckham will appear during this segment, atop a London bus.

The British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, will also finally turn up; unless of course he manages to find an excuse not to.

Olympic Medals Won

Monday, August 18, 2008

Empty Seats

Before the Olympics began, Beijing Olympic organisers claimed that that all the 6.8 million tickets to Olympic events had been sold.

However, it seems that there are empty seats in the Bird's Nest and other venues.

Organisers are trying to "save face" by bussing in people from soccer fan clubs, high schools, and local neighborhoods to fill the empty seats. However, it is still not working, on 11th of August there were 20 competitions in the 18 stadiums attended by 40,000 spectators. Only two of stadiums were more than 90% full, six were more than 80% full and over half had at least 30% of seats empty.

One factor being blamed is the weather. However, the most likely cause is the fact that corporate sponsors and VIP's are allocated vast swathes of tickets that they never use.

The key to making future Olympics successful, wrt crowd attendance, is to give the games back to the people and allocate less tickets to faceless corporate sponsors who never turn up.

Olympic Medals Won

Saturday, August 16, 2008

China Bashing

The hypocrisy of some parts of the western media appears to know no bounds when it comes to having a go at China.

On Friday, reports emerged that the children who carried the Chinese flag in a show of national unity at the Beijing opening ceremonies were not from the 56 ethnic groups they were purported to represent.

Given the lies and distortions published by the media in the West, to criticise the Chinese for this is hypocrisy of the highest level.

Olympic Medals Won

Friday, August 15, 2008

Blue Skies

Contrary to the expectations of some people before the games, the air quality in Beijing has actually been reasonably good thanks to the anti pollution measures taken by the authorities and a heavy storm that blew it away.

The skies above Beijing are currently clear and blue.

International Olympic Committee's medical commission chairman, Arne Ljungqvist, said:

"The information so far is very encouraging. The recent... days have had very good air conditions indeed.

There is no indication that there will be a problem in the near future."

However, World Health Organisation China chief Hans Troedsson noted that pollution in Beijing still presented long-term health risks to residents.

Olympic Medals Won

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Verbal Punch Up at Press Conference

Wei Wang, the secretary general of the Beijing organising committee, expressed his displeasure about the behaviour of some members of the international media for coming to China "to peek, to be critical, to dig into the small details and find fault" in the country's human rights record".

He vented his spleen during the IOC-Bocog press conference, as journalists pressed him to reveal how many Chinese citizens had been granted permission to use the three Protest Parks set up for the Games. Wei Wang claimed twice that he had not been given figures from the Office of Public Security.

"After 30 years of reform China has developed greatly. People enjoy more freedom. People are living a good life. Everyone is happy. That's a fact. Of course there are exceptions, like in any other country. But they need to take the legal process and procedures to resolve any issues. We cannot allow this country to be in chaos.

There are a few people who have come here to peek, to be critical, to dig into the small details and find fault. This does not mean that we are not fulfilling our promises [over human rights to the IOC]. The whole country can see how can China has developed; how China has genuinely welcomed the world to enjoy everything with us."

The IOC was given a rough ride by Alex Thomson, a Channel 4 journalist, who asked as to whether it was "in any way embarrassed" by the Chinese government "lying through its teeth" about keeping its promises to improve human rights and press freedom.

The IOC communication's director, Giselle Davies, did not answer the question but instead said:

"We have to note that there have been enormous steps forward in a number of areas".

Thomson kept pressing and asked how the IOC felt about the "manifest failure of the Chinese government to keep their promises." Davies refused to answer, saying that the IOC was "very proud about how these Games are progressing".

Thomson kept up the attack:

"I'm not asking about how well the Games are being run, or how wonderful the Games are.

Are you embarrassed by China?

I don't think anyone thinks you have answered the question."

Davies said:

"The Olympic Games is largely about the athletes and they have given us extremely strong feedback about how things are going."

Thomson was by now fending off two volunteers, who were trying to take the microphone from him. However, he soldiered on:

"We're not getting anywhere are we?

Are the IOC embarrassed about the Chinese governments record on human rights? One more chance?"

Davies ignored the question and said:

"We have to note the enormous steps in the wider area.

The world is watching and the IOC is appraising."

Olympic Medals Won

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www.olympicsdiary.com brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Fakery Accusations

Having basked in the glow of excellent viewing figures, NBC and the Beijing Olympic Committee are now having to face accusations from some quarters over fakery wrt their broadcast of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony.

The organisers have been accused of adding fake CGI fireworks to the opening ceremony. NBC have been accused of adding a bogus "Live" stamp to their prime time delayed feed of competition coverage this weekend, and edited the "parade of nations" segment of the opening ceremony to delay the entrance of the US Olympic Team.

Can anyone ever truly believe what they see on TV?

THR.com runs through the accusation point by point, including NBC's responses:

Accusation: Viewers were misled by the use of CGI fireworks during a sweeping helicopter shot ( video clip here) leading up to the Bird's Nest. Organizers note the fireworks were there, but the footage was created in advance due to the danger of shooting live from a nearby helicopter.

NBC Response: An NBC Sports spokesperson says U.S. viewers were informed of the manipulation. Commentators Matt Lauer and Bob Costas said the fireworks were a digital effect. From the opening ceremony transcript during the fireworks in question:

Lauer: "You're looking at a cinematic device employed by Zhang Yimou here. This is actually almost animation. A footstep a second, 29 in all, to signify the 29 Olympiads."

Costas: "We said earlier that aspects of this Opening Ceremony are almost like cinema in real time. Well this is quite literally cinematic."

Analysis: Mixing real and CGI fireworks during an Olympic event is visually misleading, though NBC did try to address the issue. The question is, during a spectacular-looking shot, do the phrases "cinematic device" and "almost animation" really convey that the image wasn't real?

It seems more to hint that something about it wasn't quite literal, while coming shy of saying - in far more clear and simple terms - "this is a digitally manufactured shot to represent what's happening right now outside the stadium."

Accusation: NBC is time stamping West Coast feeds of competition coverage with a "Live" tag even though the coverage is not live.

NBC Response: A spokesperson points out the constant "Live" tag is accompanied by twice-per-hour time stamps that inform West Coast viewers that the event was only live on the East Coast (ex. "10:05 ET").

"The audience makeup of the Olympics is very much like that of 'American Idol' and 'Dancing with the Stars' which have 'live' season finales presented in much the same way," an NBC Sports spokesperson says. "You assume there's a large amount of intelligence in the viewing audience, so when they see those twice-an-hour time stamps they'll understand what is being presented."

Analysis: If a sporting event's feed isn't live, a broadcaster should avoid using an omnipresent "live" tag. The best reason to have this tag on a West Coast feed (and to not put a clear "tape delayed" notice) is for the same reason some are incensed – it gives viewers an impression of live urgency that isn't quite there. Like with the fireworks, the original complaint is mollified by the facts, to a degree: to a casual viewer the coverage shows one thing, while to somebody paying close attention, it shows something slightly less exciting.

Accusation: NBC edited the "parade of nations" from the original order to delay the entrance of US. athletes.

NBC Response: An NBC Sports spokesman says the order was unchanged.

Analysis: Editing a sporting event like a reality show to save the most eagerly awaited moments for the conclusion would be an issue - if it were true. As it is, online reports have provided no real evidence.

The Times also reports that the "cute" girl who sang at the opening ceremony was merely lip synching, the real girl who sang was deemed to be too "ugly" for TV.

Oh dear, it really is rather silly to try to pull the wool over people's eyes like this!

Olympic Medals Won

Don't forget to visit www.theolympicswarehouse.com
www.olympicsdiary.com brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"

Monday, August 11, 2008

Record Audience

The opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics pulled in a record number of TV viewers around the world.

NBC in the USA, despite not showing the event live and delaying it to primetime, managed to score its highest ever rating (over 34 million viewers) for a non-American hosted summer Olympics aside from the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.

In China between 63% and 68.8% of China's total audience, a record, watched the opening ceremony.

In Australia, the Seven Network said that its audience was over 3.3 million viewers. In Germany, 7.7 million watched it on ARD; in France, 4.4 million watched it on France 2 and in Italy, 5.5 million watched on RAI. The BBC had an audience of 5 million.

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What are Ethiopia's chances at the Sydney Olympics?

Barring unforeseen circumstances, Emperor Gabe (Haile Gebre Selassie)  is almost guaranteed to win an easy Gold Medal in the 10,000 meters race. The Emperor is already looking beyond Sydney to a marathon race and a new world record at 2 hours flat or less. If any other athlete had said that, no one would have taken him/her seriously. But this is the Emperor himself, the "greatest long-distance runner" of all times and the world of athletics takes his words seriously. Derartu Tulu, the Barcelona Olympics gold medallist will attempt to repeat her memorable success. Given her convincing wins early in the year in Portugal, many believe that Derartu, the first African woman ever to win a gold medal in the Olympics, will bring home a gold medal. Million Wolde the world indoor medallist is a contender for a gold in the 5K race despite the determination of the Kenyans to keep it among themselves. It will be a very much anticipated race. Ethiopia's marathon hopes lie on the shoulders of the now legendary Fatuma Roba who is going for an unprecedented repeat of a victory in the Atlanta Olympics. Gezahenge Abera who leads the men's marathon team is Ethiopia's best hope for capturing the Gold in Men's marathon. Kutre Dulecha has a good chance of getting a medal in women's 1500 meters race. The site of Assefa Mezgebu coming second after Emperor Gabe in the Men's 10K will be a joy for the whole nation; we shall keep our fingers crossed! Ayelech Worku is also a serious contender in women's 5K. All in all, 3 gold medals seem to be assured. Only time will tell!    Our best wishes for our national heroes!

Brought to you courtesy of Ethiopian Computing and Information Technology Association

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Akhil Kumar cruises to Round 2

Indian pugilist duo of Akil Kumar and Jitender packed enough punch in the boxing ring to stroll into the pre-quarterfinals in their respective categories in the Beijing Olympics on Tuesday.

In the 51kg category, Jitender Kumar pounded Ulas Memis until the 17-year-old pugilist from Turkey retired while trailing 1-21.

Later in the evening, Akhil tamed Ali Hallab of France 12-5 in the 54 kg category to reach the second round.

Jitender now meets Tulashboy Doniyorov of Uzbekistan while Akhil takes on 2007 world champion Sergey Vodopyanov in the pre-quarters.

Akhil was in control right from the beginning and led 4-2 after the first round. A lop-sided second round saw him stretching the lead beyond Hallab and the Indian did not break sweat in the last two rounds as he ambled to an easy win.

"My next round match is going to be crucial and fighting against a world champion is never going to be easy. I'll put my best foot forward," Akhil said.

Earlier in the day, Jitender was in complete control of the bout as he asserted himself on Turkey youngster Ulas Memis, who simply had no answer to the Indians.

Jitender led 5-0 after first round and though Memis put up a slightly better show in the second, the Indian landed a flurry of punches on the Turkey boxer to take an unassailable lead.

"I was confident that I would beat him, even though this was the first time we faced each other," Jitender said.

"We had same height but I was better in counter-punching. I attacked a lot because I wanted to score and win. My tactic remains to stay cool, for I perform better when I'm so," he said.

"I'll discus my strategy with Akhil tomorrow, along with the coach. We have to win a medal in this Olympics," he asserted.

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Abhinav Bindra wins India's first ever solo Olympic gold

F

Posted online: Monday , August 11, 2008 at 02:54:16

Updated: Monday , August 11, 2008 at 02:54:16

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Beijing, August 11:
India clinched its first ever individual Olympic gold medal in 108
years when Abhinav Bindra won the 10 meter air rifle event in one of
the most pulsating shooting finals in the history of the world's
biggest sporting extravaganza.

The historic victory for the 25-year-old pro from
Chandigarh came against heavy odds as he entered the event ranked
number 17 in the world and pitted against Athens Olympic champion Zhu
Qinan of China and Henri Hakkinen of Finland rated much higher than
him.

But Bindra proved that reputation and history
counted little as he overcame a two-point deficit against Zhu and
Haikkinen after the qualifying round and annexed the title.

Bindra emerged triumphant in the 10-shot final
with a finish of 104.5, taking his tally of points to 700.5 as against
Zhu's silver winning performance of 699.7 (597+102.7) and 699.4
(598+101.4) by Hakkinen, which gave the Finn Army marksman the bronze.

His first shot of the final a 10.7 saw him move to
the third place and by the time he was preparing to shoot his fourth,
the Indian had risen to the second spot.

A 10.6 on his seventh attempt earned Bindra the
lead and in the deciding shot he got 10.8, way ahead of 10.5 by the
Chinese and 9.7 by the Finn to bring India the first ever gold medal by
an individual since the country first participated in Olympics in 1900.

The businessman from Chandigarh also ended India's
wait for a gold since the hockey team fetched a yellow metal in the
Moscow Olympics in 1980.

"It can't better than this. Can it?" an elated but composed Bindra said soon after achieving the feat.

"I sincerely hope my medal changes the face of India's Olympic sports," the bespectacled shooter told reporters.

As Bindra bowed his head to receive the gold medal
from the Princess of Lichtenstein, a small country in central Europe,
and the Indian national anthem was played out for the first time in
this edition of Olympics, the shooter had his feet firmly on the
ground, betraying little emotions.

"For me, life will go on as usual but I sincerely
hope Olympic sports get a leg-up. It's not a priority back home and I
hope more focus is paid to these events like shooting," he said.

Asked about his scorching run in the finals, Abhinav said it was a conscious plan to pull out all stops and it paid off.

"I entered the final as fourth, which means I had
to go all out for it. That's why I was so aggressive and it paid off in
the end. I guess it was my day," he said.

Bindra, whose career at one stage was jeopardised
by a nagging back injury, said it was not easy to keep himself keyed up
all along.

"I worked hard, left home and trained in Germany.
It only proves that if you keep working hard, you would have your day
someday and fortunately, it was my day today.

"My parents, family and coaches stood by me all along and I owe it to them," he said.

Even in his hour of supreme glory, Bindra was
magnanimous towards his rival when he applauded Zhu for his performance
and said "he should be happy that he won a medal".

Bindra's compatriot Gagan Narang too almost made
it to the final but was ruled out on countback. Gagan scored 595,
levelled at the fifth place but lost out on a final place in countback.

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Records olumpics 2008

Records

Records

As of Aug 10 2008

History Record

Archery	Athletics	Canoe/Kayak - Flatwater	Cycling - Track	Modern Pentathlon
Rowing	Shooting	Swimming	Weightlifting

Records by Day

• Aug
• 8
• 9
• 10
• 11
• 12
• 13
• 14
• 15
• 16
• 17
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•  All 
• Current TimeRecord dayNo record

Time

Record Type

Sport

Record

Name

NOC

Aug 9 2008	Final Olympic Record	Shooting	503.5	EMMONS Katerina	Czech Republic
Aug 9 2008	Olympic Record	Archery	2004	PARK Sung-Hyun YUN Ok-Hee JOO Hyun-Jung	Korea
Aug 9 2008	Equalled World Record	Shooting	400	EMMONS Katerina	Czech Republic
Aug 9 2008	Olympic Record	Weightlifting	212	CHEN Xiexia	China
Aug 9 2008	Olympic Record	Shooting	400	EMMONS Katerina	Czech Republic
Aug 9 2008	Olympic Record	Weightlifting	117	CHEN Xiexia	China

Time

Record Type

Sport

Record

Name

NOC

Aug 10 2008	World Junior Record	Weightlifting	132	LONG Qingquan	China
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Weightlifting	126	JAROENRATTANATARAKOON P.	Thailand
Aug 10 2008	Final Olympic Record	Shooting	492.3	GUO Wenjun	China
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:04:03.840	PHELPS Michael	United States
Aug 10 2008	World Record	Archery	231	PARK Sung-Hyun YUN Ok-Hee JOO Hyun-Jung	Korea
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:03:12.230	ADRIAN Nathan GREVERS Matt WILDMAN-TOBRINER Ben JONES Cullen	United States
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:04:29.450	RICE Stephanie	Australia
Aug 10 2008	World Record	Swimming	00:04:03.840	PHELPS Michael	United States
Aug 10 2008	Final Olympic Record	Shooting	146	KOSTELECKY David	Czech Republic
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Archery	231	PARK Sung-Hyun YUN Ok-Hee JOO Hyun-Jung	Korea
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:01:05.640	JONES Leisel	Australia
Aug 10 2008	World Best	Rowing	00:05:36.20	MORGAN Chris McRAE James LONG Brendan NOONAN Daniel	Australia
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Shooting	391	PADERINA Natalia	Russian Fed.
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:00:53.410	GREVERS Matt	United States
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:00:59.160	OEN Alexander Dale	Norway
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:00:53.380	STEFFEN Britta	Germany
Aug 10 2008	World Record	Swimming	00:04:29.450	RICE Stephanie	Australia
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:04:02.190	PELLEGRINI Federica	Italy
Aug 10 2008	World Junior Record	Weightlifting	292	LONG Qingquan	China
Aug 10 2008	World Record	Swimming	00:03:12.230	ADRIAN Nathan GREVERS Matt WILDMAN-TOBRINER Ben JONES Cullen	United States
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:00:59.000	COVENTRY Kirsty	Zimbabwe
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:03:33.760	HEEMSKERK Femke KROMOWIDJOJO Ranomi VELDHUIS Marleen DEKKER Inge	Netherlands
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:00:47.760	LEVEAUX Amaury	France

Time

Record Type

Sport

Record

Name

NOC

Aug 9 2008	Final Olympic Record	Shooting	503.5	EMMONS Katerina	Czech Republic
Aug 9 2008	Olympic Record	Archery	2004	PARK Sung-Hyun YUN Ok-Hee JOO Hyun-Jung	Korea
Aug 9 2008	Equalled World Record	Shooting	400	EMMONS Katerina	Czech Republic
Aug 9 2008	Olympic Record	Weightlifting	212	CHEN Xiexia	China
Aug 9 2008	Olympic Record	Shooting	400	EMMONS Katerina	Czech Republic
Aug 9 2008	Olympic Record	Weightlifting	117	CHEN Xiexia	China
Aug 10 2008	World Junior Record	Weightlifting	132	LONG Qingquan	China
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Weightlifting	126	JAROENRATTANATARAKOON P.	Thailand
Aug 10 2008	Final Olympic Record	Shooting	492.3	GUO Wenjun	China
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:04:03.840	PHELPS Michael	United States
Aug 10 2008	World Record	Archery	231	PARK Sung-Hyun YUN Ok-Hee JOO Hyun-Jung	Korea
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:03:12.230	ADRIAN Nathan GREVERS Matt WILDMAN-TOBRINER Ben JONES Cullen	United States
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:04:29.450	RICE Stephanie	Australia
Aug 10 2008	World Record	Swimming	00:04:03.840	PHELPS Michael	United States
Aug 10 2008	Final Olympic Record	Shooting	146	KOSTELECKY David	Czech Republic
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Archery	231	PARK Sung-Hyun YUN Ok-Hee JOO Hyun-Jung	Korea
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:01:05.640	JONES Leisel	Australia
Aug 10 2008	World Best	Rowing	00:05:36.20	MORGAN Chris McRAE James LONG Brendan NOONAN Daniel	Australia
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Shooting	391	PADERINA Natalia	Russian Fed.
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:00:53.410	GREVERS Matt	United States
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:00:59.160	OEN Alexander Dale	Norway
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:00:53.380	STEFFEN Britta	Germany
Aug 10 2008	World Record	Swimming	00:04:29.450	RICE Stephanie	Australia
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:04:02.190	PELLEGRINI Federica	Italy
Aug 10 2008	World Junior Record	Weightlifting	292	LONG Qingquan	China
Aug 10 2008	World Record	Swimming	00:03:12.230	ADRIAN Nathan GREVERS Matt WILDMAN-TOBRINER Ben JONES Cullen	United States
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:00:59.000	COVENTRY Kirsty	Zimbabwe
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:03:33.760	HEEMSKERK Femke KROMOWIDJOJO Ranomi VELDHUIS Marleen DEKKER Inge	Netherlands
Aug 10 2008	Olympic Record	Swimming	00:00:47.760	LEVEAUX Amaury	France

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