Abhinav Bindra is an inspiration for youth: CM Khanduri

Dehra Dun, Oct 19 (UNI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Maj Gen (retd) B C Khanduri today felicitated India's first individual gold medallist in the Beijing Olympics Abhinav Bindra at his residence here today and said his government would encourage the youth of the state to enter the field of sports.

Lauding Mr Bindra for winning India a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, Mr Khanduri noted that India had the potential for producing ace sportsmen and the youth of the country had to be encouraged to enter the sporting arena.

Taking que from the Chief Minister, Mr Bindra said his mission was to encourage and improve sports.

'' I would also like to open a sports college in the country'', Mr Bindra said.

Mr Khanduri also congratulated Mr Bindra's parents and said their son made his country proud and instilled hope and confidence in the youth at a time when India's performance at the Beijing Olympics was slipping.

'' It felt bad to see many of our accomplished sportsmen facing defeat in the early stages....but Mr Bindra's achievement lit a ray of hope in us'', Mr Khanduri said.

Presenting a cheque of Rs 11 lakh to Mr Bindra, Mr Khanduri announced that his government would increase the budget for sports and equip schools of the state with sports facilities.

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