NEWS

Laxmi Mittal to present Rs 1.5 cr to Bindra

RANCHI: Steel baron and chairman Arcelor Mittal, Laxmi Niwas Mittal announced a cash award of Rs 1.5 crore for Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra on Tuesday.

Expressing happiness over the splendid performance of Bindra in the 10mt air rifle shooting, Mittal said that the achievement marks the probable beginning of a winning spree by Indian athletes in international sporting arena.

Addressing an online press conference from London with Bindra speaking from Beijing, Mittal reiterated his commitment of Mittal Champions Trust (MCT) to bring more sportsperson to the international arena.

"MCT picked up Bindra after taking note of his talent and left no stones unturned to get him trained in Germany for the grand event," Mittal said adding it was because of his temperament along with hard work that helped him achieve the rare feat.

Talking to the journalists, Bindra admitted that his stint in Germany with proved crucial in his grooming.

"What I got in Germany was not available in India. Procuring bullets for practice is also tough in India due to government regulations," he said.

Speaking about the role of sports federation in India he said they lack in professional approach. Bindra stressed that performance of individual and team depends upon how government agencies, sports federation and local sports association function.