The year 2008 will always remain a glorious year in the history of Indian sports. After sharpshooter Abhinav Bindra won India's first solo Olympic gold, it is wrestler Sushil Kumar who made us proud with the bronze medal.

Boxer Vijender Kumar has also ensured himself a bronze, entering the semifinals of the men's bantamweight (75kg).

The performances of boxers Akhil Kumar and Jitender Kumar, wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and badminton player Saina Nehwal also deserve an applaud, as they almost took us to the brink of winning some more medals.

We now hope that sports like boxing and wrestling will get more support from corporates, who will come forward to provide players with apt infrastructure and other facilities. The Olympics has given us the opportunity to inspire upcoming Indian sportspersons. Kudos to all players!

Mahesh Prabhu
Borivli (E)


Chak De India!

It was Chak De India at the Beijing Olympics as Vijendra Kumar punched his way into the semi-finals, which assured him of a medal, while Sushil Kumar won a bronze for our nation in the wrestling event.

It was the best day for India, as the country's medal count for 2008 at the Olympics is now one gold, one bronze and still counting...

Our sportspersons certainly have the talent and they get into the semi-finals, but somehow fail at the crucial last minute. Hence, a last thrust is required from our side.

If they get the right trainers, facilities and encouragement from sports ministry and government, I am sure we can win several more medals at the Olympics in the future. We are truly proud of our sportsmen today.

S N Kabra
Goregaon (W)


Chain reaction

It would not be far-fetched to say that Abhinav Bindra's gold victory at the Olympics has spurred other sportsmen from India and has instilled a belief in them that they too can win medals. This is reflected in India winning two more medals for boxing and wrestling.

This is a historic first for India. The medals and the resulting media hype will play a huge role in inspiring all budding sportsmen to take up sports other than cricket.

Amitabh Saxena
Dubai, UAE