Abhinav Bindra, gold medal - men’s 10m air rifle shooting, Beijing 2008

India’s most euphoric moment at the Olympics came at Beijing 2008 when Abhinav Bindra won a historic gold medal in the men’s 10m air rifle. The Indian shooter shot a near-perfect 10.8 with his final shot, ensuring India’s first individual Olympic gold medal.

Vijender Singh, bronze medal - men’s middleweight boxing, Beijing 2008

Vijender Singh became the first Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal.

Sushil Kumar, bronze medal - men’s 66kg wrestling, Beijing 2008

After losing his opening bout, Sushil Kumar went on to win three bouts in the repechage round within 70 minutes to clinch the bronze medal. It was India’s first Olympic medal in wrestling for 56 years.

Gagan Narang, bronze medal - men’s 10m air rifle shooting, London 2012



Sushil Kumar, silver medal - men’s 66kg wrestling, London 2012

Vijay Kumar, silver medal - men’s 25m rapid pistol shooting, London 2012

Barely known before the Games, shooter Vijay Kumar ensured his name in the record books with a silver medal in the 25m rapid pistol. Tied with China’s Ding Feng going into the sixth round in the final, Vijay Kumar outshot Feng to head into the last round. However, Cuba’s Leuris Pupo proved a step too far as Vijay Kumar settled for silver.

Mary Kom, bronze medal - women’s flyweight boxing, London 2012

A legend even before her maiden Olympics at London 2012, Mary Kom commemorated the first edition of women’s boxing at the Games with a bronze in the flyweight category. The Manipur-born boxer was on a fine run before being halted by eventual champion Nicola Adams of Great Britain in the semis.

Yogeshwar Dutt, bronze medal - men’s 60kg wrestling, London 2012

A veteran of three Olympics by London 2012, wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt finally achieved his childhood dream when he won bronze in the 60kg category. He defeated North Korea’s Ri Jong Myong in the last repechage round in just 1:02 minutes.

Saina Nehwal, bronze medal - women’s singles badminton, London 2012