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A Shot At History: My Obsessive Journey to Olympic Gold
Abhinav Bindra once shot 100 out of 100 in practice six times in a row and walked out of the range unhappy. He is a perfectionist who once soled his shoes with rubber from Ferrari tyres because he thought it would help. He would wake up at 3 am to ...
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
November 27, 2018
This is written in the style of Abhinav talking to you directly, even as he relentlessly practises, introspects, ruminates, reflects, commits, and carries us along with him on his quest. It was a brilliant journey to get into the mind of an Olympian, experiencing the constant tinkering, the minor improvements, the minuscule adjustments, the almost relentless obsession to constantly better oneself in the grim fight with the mind.
The book is only, and only, about his shooting. So there are no schoolkid pranks, backyard games, or personal anecdotes. His early childhood basically starts with his first gun, and proceeds from there. This is a more detailed version of Colvin's 'deliberate practice', the upper slab of Gladwell's average of 10,000 hours.
The writing is clear, incisive, refreshing, candid. Spoken from an athlete's perspective, it also outlines the bureaucracy that is Indian sports, the trials, the frustrations and the almost cynical contempt that he feels every time along with the adrenaline rush of victory. It also provides a rare peek into the almost fanatical persistence required to become a world-class sportsperson or musician.
Sweat and blood in prose!
The book is only, and only, about his shooting. So there are no schoolkid pranks, backyard games, or personal anecdotes. His early childhood basically starts with his first gun, and proceeds from there. This is a more detailed version of Colvin's 'deliberate practice', the upper slab of Gladwell's average of 10,000 hours.
The writing is clear, incisive, refreshing, candid. Spoken from an athlete's perspective, it also outlines the bureaucracy that is Indian sports, the trials, the frustrations and the almost cynical contempt that he feels every time along with the adrenaline rush of victory. It also provides a rare peek into the almost fanatical persistence required to become a world-class sportsperson or musician.
Sweat and blood in prose!
December 2, 2012
An incredible chronicle, a revealing autobiographical story, an inspirational journey, and a moving personal and emotional account of the ups and downs of the path from a talented child with a hobby to a man who becomes the best in the world! The lengths he went to in terms of time and effort, attention to detail, experimentation, personal growth, plus the setbacks he had to overcome - this man is a champion. Bindra also offers the reader a peek into the shooting culture and community of India, which is eye-opening. If you have competed in any sport, the poetry of Abhinav's expression will connect with you in a deep and beautiful way - you will understand, even if you couldn't have verbalized it yourself. If you've never competed in sport, you will gain an appreciation of what some are willing to go through to reach their potential...and then how they will push even beyond that.
I was fortunate years ago to meet Mr. Bindra at the U.S. Olympic Training Center when I was there for a training camp. It was brief and I knew little of him except that he was a dedicated shooter from India. I recall thinking of him as a friendly, quiet, and intense man. He always recognized me and said hello during my time there. I casually followed his results in major competitions, and remember feeling happy for him when I saw he'd won Gold in Beijing. Little did I know the amazing story behind the medal!
Thank you, Abhinav, for sharing your story with the world. You've inspired countless shooters everywhere, and shown your own country that the sky is the limit.
I was fortunate years ago to meet Mr. Bindra at the U.S. Olympic Training Center when I was there for a training camp. It was brief and I knew little of him except that he was a dedicated shooter from India. I recall thinking of him as a friendly, quiet, and intense man. He always recognized me and said hello during my time there. I casually followed his results in major competitions, and remember feeling happy for him when I saw he'd won Gold in Beijing. Little did I know the amazing story behind the medal!
Thank you, Abhinav, for sharing your story with the world. You've inspired countless shooters everywhere, and shown your own country that the sky is the limit.
April 18, 2017
Bang on target. He "nailed" it. A perfect 10. A 10.9, if you will.
I don't know if it makes any sense - but it's such a high-octane book; I felt like all energy is being sapped off me.
How's that a problem, though? I wept through most of 'Gone with the Wind' and just wouldn't stop. I have had fits of laughter reading Marathi books when my parents thought I had gone insane. 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' shook me to the very core. Parts of 'The Hobbit' made me sweat in my cozy comfy bed...
It's for these experiences that you read books, don't you?
I don't know if it makes any sense - but it's such a high-octane book; I felt like all energy is being sapped off me.
How's that a problem, though? I wept through most of 'Gone with the Wind' and just wouldn't stop. I have had fits of laughter reading Marathi books when my parents thought I had gone insane. 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' shook me to the very core. Parts of 'The Hobbit' made me sweat in my cozy comfy bed...
It's for these experiences that you read books, don't you?
March 11, 2017
I loved reading this book every day. The book gives one a detailed picture of effort, resources and time invested by Abhinav in his Olympic gold pursuit. This is a must read for any sports lover or in fact, for anyone who wants to be a champion in his own field or a perfectionist. My mind went numb for a few minutes after reading about his preparations for Beijing 08 and what he endured emotionally. That gave me an insight on how I should plan my preparations. Simply inspiring!
October 20, 2014
Warning: this review is long.
If you want a short answer, it is that this book must be read. The longer one follows.
There are some things one falls in love with early in life, and these passions often become enduring companions for life. So far, in my not-so-old life, sport has been one such friend cum lover- over time seductive, consoling and heartbreaking in nearly equal measure. Sport, mind you, not only Indian sport, although I cheer for Indian athletes more enthusiastically than those representing other nations. That said, I don't commonly read books by sportspersons. As reading material, they are often repetitive, and just as frequently lack any distinctive personality. Athletes who have been approached to publish the story of their lives have already created a market for it through their feats, and much of their struggle is well known to a fan of their sport... which when added to the necessarily short lifespans of their sporting careers often lead to a vacant read- an autobiography written before 40 years of age inevitably seems premature. In addition, the stories generally read like the ghost writer's retelling of the athlete's experiences as narrated to them, rather than the story of an extraordinary life. Reading a biography instead of an autobiography is out of the question for the most part too, since that’s pretty much like reading a journalistic opinion piece, no matter how well researched.
This book has been written by Abhinav Bindra, who among his many triumphs can also count an individual Olympic gold (India's first), in collaboration with Rohit Brijnath, who is one of the finest sport writers today. Given the problems with sport autobiographies, Bindra scores in a way because of the under publicised nature of his chosen sport ("sport shooting", he calls it). He's also done well to choose a co-writer known for his lucidity and eloquence. Given the latter, I was assured of quality, but I wondered before purchase how much of this would be in Abhinav's "voice". I have come to the conclusion that he told his story himself, and Brijnath was the excellent medium he chose to channel it, for the following reasons:
1. It’s difficult to convincingly fake someone's conversational style, and this is how the book communicates. From interviews I'd seen/heard earlier, this seemed to be the marksman speaking (of course, it's possible that they speak in exactly the same manner, but it seems unlikely), and
2. There are passages where events of the past are being recounted, and in some sentences in those passages the tense used is the present tense, while in others it is the past tense. Similarly, the shooter's future peaks through unexplained at various points and is elaborated upon later in the book. I don't think a practiced journalist would otherwise write in this manner.
The book is written like a personal conversation cum Quest-Story, and focuses on no one achievement. Rather, it is about the journey itself. It is engaging and unique, and has some marvelous lines that I re-read in glee (there's one about arguing bees that had me grinning in delight for several minutes in the metro ride on my way to work). Often the marksman refers to his methods as obsessive, as have other people since. His pursuit of his defining medal (so far) was certainly single minded, but I didn't find it obsessive. This is most likely because the book is written with a deft hand, and nothing is dwelt upon too much. Other virtues include humour and naked honesty. The book never runs out of content, and when something is reiterated, it is done skillfully enough that it doesn't feel as though I am revisiting a previous sentiment. His love of sport, of his sport, and for his fellow athletes shines through in particular. The portrait is of a driven, introverted, inquisitive, articulate and affectionate man.
The integrity, sincerity and courage he has displayed in standing up to inept Indian Sports Officials underline the words on the page (indeed, a fair few are dedicated to the officials), and for an Indian sport fan just add to the authenticity of those words, for who suffers most under the heavy handed administration after the athletes themselves? Surely it's the fans. The swear words sometimes used to add weight to the sentiment (which again felt like a conversation with a friend), and a smattering of Hindi words added to this feeling of familiarity for me.
Some things in life must be experienced. If you love sport, or if you are Indian, then this book is one of them. Others have called this an outstanding book on sport, or on a sportsperson. I simply think it's an outstanding book. Personally, of two things I am certain; I will love this book to tatters, and I am glad somebody like Abhinav Bindra is part of an arena I am so fond of, and especially that it is in Indian Olympic sport, whose inhabitants need his voice and dedication more than those belonging to most other sporting arenas do.
Note: I purchased this book from Amazon India, but they somehow had only a tattered copy of the unrevised version- which they duly proceeded to send me. Since I had been anticipating diving into it the moment it arrived, seeing the version and condition of the book caused a bit of a meltdown, and I complained severely on Twitter to both the publishers (who were not at fault at all), and the e-commerce outlet. The publishers very kindly sent me a complimentary copy of the latest version, for which I am grateful.
Note 2 (Monday, 20th October 2014): Traveling to work without the book felt lonesome :(
If you want a short answer, it is that this book must be read. The longer one follows.
There are some things one falls in love with early in life, and these passions often become enduring companions for life. So far, in my not-so-old life, sport has been one such friend cum lover- over time seductive, consoling and heartbreaking in nearly equal measure. Sport, mind you, not only Indian sport, although I cheer for Indian athletes more enthusiastically than those representing other nations. That said, I don't commonly read books by sportspersons. As reading material, they are often repetitive, and just as frequently lack any distinctive personality. Athletes who have been approached to publish the story of their lives have already created a market for it through their feats, and much of their struggle is well known to a fan of their sport... which when added to the necessarily short lifespans of their sporting careers often lead to a vacant read- an autobiography written before 40 years of age inevitably seems premature. In addition, the stories generally read like the ghost writer's retelling of the athlete's experiences as narrated to them, rather than the story of an extraordinary life. Reading a biography instead of an autobiography is out of the question for the most part too, since that’s pretty much like reading a journalistic opinion piece, no matter how well researched.
This book has been written by Abhinav Bindra, who among his many triumphs can also count an individual Olympic gold (India's first), in collaboration with Rohit Brijnath, who is one of the finest sport writers today. Given the problems with sport autobiographies, Bindra scores in a way because of the under publicised nature of his chosen sport ("sport shooting", he calls it). He's also done well to choose a co-writer known for his lucidity and eloquence. Given the latter, I was assured of quality, but I wondered before purchase how much of this would be in Abhinav's "voice". I have come to the conclusion that he told his story himself, and Brijnath was the excellent medium he chose to channel it, for the following reasons:
1. It’s difficult to convincingly fake someone's conversational style, and this is how the book communicates. From interviews I'd seen/heard earlier, this seemed to be the marksman speaking (of course, it's possible that they speak in exactly the same manner, but it seems unlikely), and
2. There are passages where events of the past are being recounted, and in some sentences in those passages the tense used is the present tense, while in others it is the past tense. Similarly, the shooter's future peaks through unexplained at various points and is elaborated upon later in the book. I don't think a practiced journalist would otherwise write in this manner.
The book is written like a personal conversation cum Quest-Story, and focuses on no one achievement. Rather, it is about the journey itself. It is engaging and unique, and has some marvelous lines that I re-read in glee (there's one about arguing bees that had me grinning in delight for several minutes in the metro ride on my way to work). Often the marksman refers to his methods as obsessive, as have other people since. His pursuit of his defining medal (so far) was certainly single minded, but I didn't find it obsessive. This is most likely because the book is written with a deft hand, and nothing is dwelt upon too much. Other virtues include humour and naked honesty. The book never runs out of content, and when something is reiterated, it is done skillfully enough that it doesn't feel as though I am revisiting a previous sentiment. His love of sport, of his sport, and for his fellow athletes shines through in particular. The portrait is of a driven, introverted, inquisitive, articulate and affectionate man.
The integrity, sincerity and courage he has displayed in standing up to inept Indian Sports Officials underline the words on the page (indeed, a fair few are dedicated to the officials), and for an Indian sport fan just add to the authenticity of those words, for who suffers most under the heavy handed administration after the athletes themselves? Surely it's the fans. The swear words sometimes used to add weight to the sentiment (which again felt like a conversation with a friend), and a smattering of Hindi words added to this feeling of familiarity for me.
Some things in life must be experienced. If you love sport, or if you are Indian, then this book is one of them. Others have called this an outstanding book on sport, or on a sportsperson. I simply think it's an outstanding book. Personally, of two things I am certain; I will love this book to tatters, and I am glad somebody like Abhinav Bindra is part of an arena I am so fond of, and especially that it is in Indian Olympic sport, whose inhabitants need his voice and dedication more than those belonging to most other sporting arenas do.
Note: I purchased this book from Amazon India, but they somehow had only a tattered copy of the unrevised version- which they duly proceeded to send me. Since I had been anticipating diving into it the moment it arrived, seeing the version and condition of the book caused a bit of a meltdown, and I complained severely on Twitter to both the publishers (who were not at fault at all), and the e-commerce outlet. The publishers very kindly sent me a complimentary copy of the latest version, for which I am grateful.
Note 2 (Monday, 20th October 2014): Traveling to work without the book felt lonesome :(
February 11, 2023
Abhinav winning the Olympic gold is part talent, part dedication, part sports psychology and part crazy. His chase for the first Olympic gold medal is a chase to validate his talent and heady to read. His chase of the second Olympic medal is a pursuit of continuous perfection and sobering.
His experience of other countries' shooting facilities, sports federations and observations of where India lacks in its support of its sportspersons is astute and helped him prepare for a sport that cannot leave anything to chance.
The drama in the book's language lends flair and sense of movement to a sport that prides itself on stillness.
His experience of other countries' shooting facilities, sports federations and observations of where India lacks in its support of its sportspersons is astute and helped him prepare for a sport that cannot leave anything to chance.
The drama in the book's language lends flair and sense of movement to a sport that prides itself on stillness.
August 30, 2021
"We need to prepare quietly and strike ... There is no finish line to greatness ... the ability to cut-off from the attachment is the biggest advantage" - Abhinav Bindra.
So, I am in now my early 30's, going through very hard-hitting mid-life crises. This was 3rd book, that I actually managed to finish in 2020. After 2011, since my hard-core reading enhanced, it is during last 3 years I felt my interest for fiction books has been fizzling. I am very emotional and reading emotional fiction books made me more vulnerable to my insecurities. I want to become a tough person now. I still don't know how to do it but I have to do it.
This book was a window to some new world for me.
This book was all about a guy, who almost reached to pinnacle of his talent in 2004 but got hit by the luck even though having the talent and how he realize that earlier he was kid and how then maturity emerges with the wisdom, and a coming glory of 2008 and becoming the India's first Individual Olympic Gold-medalists. And after winning, he again goes empty and knows that - he is not the best again, lost his form and now he needs to start from a scratch. But he is ready.
Plus point : there is no emotional drama involved : It is all practice, come, shoot, leave.
I think I am luckiest person in the world who got this book at very right time because I am somehow in the similar crisis of being hopeless in the life. This book talks about very techniques that Abhinav Bindra went before 2008 Olympics (Like Neuro-feedback, Samadhi Tank [Epsom Salt tub therapy], getting the sense of spatial awareness, fitness etc.) along with Sports-shooting practice. His failures and frustrations that he lost in 2004 Olympics. There is also one third-last chapter in the book talking about corrupt government officials in India and why India is failed country in sport except Cricket (Not due to athletes but due to their treatment by officials and babu's minting the money).
This is the story of coming out of age. With the exception of being- Non-fiction.
I think I can persist of reading and finding some more books like this and hopefully do something worth with my life. But I need to detach myself and learn the art of coming into that zone that only monk-minds could acquire.
Thanks Abhinav Bindra for coming this book for general public.
So, I am in now my early 30's, going through very hard-hitting mid-life crises. This was 3rd book, that I actually managed to finish in 2020. After 2011, since my hard-core reading enhanced, it is during last 3 years I felt my interest for fiction books has been fizzling. I am very emotional and reading emotional fiction books made me more vulnerable to my insecurities. I want to become a tough person now. I still don't know how to do it but I have to do it.
This book was a window to some new world for me.
This book was all about a guy, who almost reached to pinnacle of his talent in 2004 but got hit by the luck even though having the talent and how he realize that earlier he was kid and how then maturity emerges with the wisdom, and a coming glory of 2008 and becoming the India's first Individual Olympic Gold-medalists. And after winning, he again goes empty and knows that - he is not the best again, lost his form and now he needs to start from a scratch. But he is ready.
Plus point : there is no emotional drama involved : It is all practice, come, shoot, leave.
I think I am luckiest person in the world who got this book at very right time because I am somehow in the similar crisis of being hopeless in the life. This book talks about very techniques that Abhinav Bindra went before 2008 Olympics (Like Neuro-feedback, Samadhi Tank [Epsom Salt tub therapy], getting the sense of spatial awareness, fitness etc.) along with Sports-shooting practice. His failures and frustrations that he lost in 2004 Olympics. There is also one third-last chapter in the book talking about corrupt government officials in India and why India is failed country in sport except Cricket (Not due to athletes but due to their treatment by officials and babu's minting the money).
This is the story of coming out of age. With the exception of being- Non-fiction.
I think I can persist of reading and finding some more books like this and hopefully do something worth with my life. But I need to detach myself and learn the art of coming into that zone that only monk-minds could acquire.
Thanks Abhinav Bindra for coming this book for general public.
February 1, 2022
Sweat and desire is never a sexy answer, but eventually, if you distil greatness, often this is what it is; writes Abhinav Bindra. These two things have played a key part in Bindra's journey to a historic Olympic goal. This is a remarkable book that will inspire you to push beyond your limits. His story is about chasing perfection because shooting is a sport where the margin between victory and defeat is that of 0.1mm. Bindra leaves no stone unturned to achieve this perfection - he even goes sky-diving 2 weeks before the Olympics. The way young Abhinav Bindra faced the different challenges life threw at him, is truly inspirational. His story teaches you how to deal with failure caused due to things beyond your control. He is also honest in his writing, he acknowledges his privileges and talks about his eccentricities. His experiences with the Indian sports officials tell us why we continue to struggle in sports except for cricket. Shooting as a sport might seem boring to some but this book never gets dull. In fact, it would pique your curiosity about this game. I absolutely loved this book and I would highly recommend it - A must read!
February 16, 2022
Such an inspiring story... A must read for everyone
May 6, 2025
If you have given any competitive exam in your life or are planning to give one, this book is a good read. The pressure of losing something when you put everything on the line is a bit too much and one could sense him being haunted by Athens loss throughout the book with the redemption only coming with Beijing Gold. This book is also a reminder that India needs to do so much to start winning medals at the world stage. Hoping for a future where Team India wins across all Sports, not just Cricket.
December 4, 2024
This book is not just about Abhinav Bindra's maniacal journey to the Olympic Gold Medal, it's also a commentary about the state of sports (not named Cricket) in India and about how world class facilities, mentality and coaching makes all the difference between a good athlete and a great athlete.
You feel up close and personal to Bindra in his journey, his support system, his loneliness and appreciate his little obsessions in his quest for perfection.
Most importantly for me, it's a reminder to me on doing better every day, targeting the impossible and pushing yourself to standards you never thought reachable.
You feel up close and personal to Bindra in his journey, his support system, his loneliness and appreciate his little obsessions in his quest for perfection.
Most importantly for me, it's a reminder to me on doing better every day, targeting the impossible and pushing yourself to standards you never thought reachable.
October 22, 2016
My fav quotes:
• Shooting is worse, you cant even blame anyone, you cannot excuse failure as a rival’s inspired day, a referee’s error, a lucky bounce. Only one person is responsible for defeat. You.
• Hitting the bullseye isn’t enough. We have to hit a particular part of the bullseye.
• William Tell with his crossbow had to hit the apple, Abhinav had to hit the seed inside the core of that apple. All the time, every shot.
• My gun was like an extra limb.
• For many parents, children are the vehicles to sustain their unfinished dreams. However, my dad made my dream his dream.
• I was the prisoner to the pull of my DNA.
• I loved shooting- the need to blank out one universe and get lost in another.
• But the colonel was clever and calm. He never shouted. Instead, he laughed. He saw that I was just releasing my frustration. And he was more interested in my ability to shoot the 10s.
• Pressure is like air. Too much and you have a hurricane, too little and you suffocate.
• It is remarkable, maybe even strange. How the meaning of victory changes with time. First the innocence of a first kiss. Later, a relief that you expect and demand of yourself. Finally, it becomes not irrelevant, not secondary but the greatest pleasure comes from staying faithful through time and tribulation to a process.
• Bjorn Borg once was able to tell that his racket was 3 grams heavier than normal.
• I was willing to sacrifice good form for great form down the road.
• 15kg backpacks and run six kilometres, eight km. You run through pain and a barrier breaks down. Next time a pressure situation emerges, you know its flavour.
• Tibetan monk said for the Olympics, “More will lose than win”
• Words printed all across the US Olympic Center, “IT’S NOT EVERY FOUR YEARS. IT’S EVERYDAY.”
• As a kid, I blabbered a bit, I got excited and wanted validation from another person: “Hey, you know, I am working on this strategy.” Now I sit there like a sphinx
• Child at play vs athlete at work.
• Face your fears and test the physical and mental nerves in the body that you weren’t sure even existed.
• I am playing games with my ego, dangerous games.
• Shooting is worse, you cant even blame anyone, you cannot excuse failure as a rival’s inspired day, a referee’s error, a lucky bounce. Only one person is responsible for defeat. You.
• Hitting the bullseye isn’t enough. We have to hit a particular part of the bullseye.
• William Tell with his crossbow had to hit the apple, Abhinav had to hit the seed inside the core of that apple. All the time, every shot.
• My gun was like an extra limb.
• For many parents, children are the vehicles to sustain their unfinished dreams. However, my dad made my dream his dream.
• I was the prisoner to the pull of my DNA.
• I loved shooting- the need to blank out one universe and get lost in another.
• But the colonel was clever and calm. He never shouted. Instead, he laughed. He saw that I was just releasing my frustration. And he was more interested in my ability to shoot the 10s.
• Pressure is like air. Too much and you have a hurricane, too little and you suffocate.
• It is remarkable, maybe even strange. How the meaning of victory changes with time. First the innocence of a first kiss. Later, a relief that you expect and demand of yourself. Finally, it becomes not irrelevant, not secondary but the greatest pleasure comes from staying faithful through time and tribulation to a process.
• Bjorn Borg once was able to tell that his racket was 3 grams heavier than normal.
• I was willing to sacrifice good form for great form down the road.
• 15kg backpacks and run six kilometres, eight km. You run through pain and a barrier breaks down. Next time a pressure situation emerges, you know its flavour.
• Tibetan monk said for the Olympics, “More will lose than win”
• Words printed all across the US Olympic Center, “IT’S NOT EVERY FOUR YEARS. IT’S EVERYDAY.”
• As a kid, I blabbered a bit, I got excited and wanted validation from another person: “Hey, you know, I am working on this strategy.” Now I sit there like a sphinx
• Child at play vs athlete at work.
• Face your fears and test the physical and mental nerves in the body that you weren’t sure even existed.
• I am playing games with my ego, dangerous games.
August 8, 2015
India's top sports writer with Abhinav Bindra has given us this master piece. Not many auto biographies are page turners but this one surely is. Most of the chapters are inspirational and absorbing reads. At the end of the book, you will get to know not just about the sport of shooting but also about how athletes handle success and defeats. It's is a must read by every Indian sports fan who wants to know about the plight of athletes participating in Olympics and the lack of organisational skills of the Indian Olympic committee. Loved the chapters where Abhinav talks about his rich upbringing, his introvert nature, his training days before the Beijing Olympics, his sarcastic digs at Suresh Kalmadi and of course the Olympic GOLD. Overall an entertaining book and a very very inspirational one .
July 25, 2017
One of the best books I have ever read and I am so proud that I did (a little late but who cares).
I was just playing with the idea and happened to read the prologue and it sent shivers down my spine. This was different from any world that I was aware of and he is different from any human that I know of.
10m air rifle shooting is now something that I can talk about. The life of an Olympic champion is now one of the many different lives I have visited once.
This book has Abhinav talking to you directly (candid and interesting)
He admits he is a bit berserk because that is needed to win a Gold. His obsession to the point of extreme exhaustion is inspiring.
I guess every Indian needs to know his story. Every Indian and every 10m air rifle shooter should consider reading this book.
I was just playing with the idea and happened to read the prologue and it sent shivers down my spine. This was different from any world that I was aware of and he is different from any human that I know of.
10m air rifle shooting is now something that I can talk about. The life of an Olympic champion is now one of the many different lives I have visited once.
This book has Abhinav talking to you directly (candid and interesting)
He admits he is a bit berserk because that is needed to win a Gold. His obsession to the point of extreme exhaustion is inspiring.
I guess every Indian needs to know his story. Every Indian and every 10m air rifle shooter should consider reading this book.
October 14, 2014
A shot at history is a short but intense account of Abhinav Bindra's quest for that elusive Olympic Gold. I'm an ardent fan of Rohit Brijnath's writing. His writing is not prose, it is elegant poetry disguised as prose. He weaves, in each chapter a fantastic, fast-paced story. So much so, that one could finish this book in a single sitting. The writing is lucid. It explains the intricacies of shooting and explains how a 5mm increase in the sole of a shooter's shoe is the difference between winning a gold medal and winning nothing. By the end of it, you're left with a feeling that you traveled with Bindra, while he achieved perfection. If you follow a sport, this book is a must read.
December 22, 2024
I'd have given more stars if I could.
I found this book to be addictive, because of many reasons. It dived so deep into an athlete's mind, that at times I felt i was reading my own journal (had i ever written it). It dissected the key moments in the journey not just into what happened in the physical world, but the mental world as well. It is an honest illustration of the world of shooting, an Olympian's journey and India's sports ecosystem.
It made me regret not choosing sport as a profession.
I found this book to be addictive, because of many reasons. It dived so deep into an athlete's mind, that at times I felt i was reading my own journal (had i ever written it). It dissected the key moments in the journey not just into what happened in the physical world, but the mental world as well. It is an honest illustration of the world of shooting, an Olympian's journey and India's sports ecosystem.
It made me regret not choosing sport as a profession.
September 21, 2016
What a phenomenal book! For a follower of adrenaline injected sport of football, this came as a huge eye opener which has forever changed my perspectives of any Sports in general. First hand experience of what goes in making a Olympian Gold medalist couldn't have been put better except with having Rohit Brijnath on board. This a must read for anyone who is a follower of any sport.
December 3, 2017
Wonderful book.
November 25, 2019
Shoot, shoot, shoot, gold, gold, gold. That's the only thing that matters.
Abhinav has been brutally honest and blunt about his journey to his Olympics gold. He had just no interest in anything other than shooting. He was so obsessed with it that he couldn't care less.
What I learnt from him is
1. Be willing to sacrifice for years to achieve something. At the end, nothing else will matter.
2. There are not shortcuts for success. Plan everything meticulously to detail including the setbacks. I really loved how he was so attentive to detail that he even was possessive about the heel of his shoes, the floor of the arena, his jackets, etc
3. Be willing to change and experiment methods. I liked how he changed his stance to be a better shooter.
4. Want to achieve something in life? Don't be soft because world is competitive, ruthless and harsh.
5. Small increments in life just like in shooting takes practice. A 599 and 600 maybe a difference in a single point but that's the difference between gold and silver. For such small improvements, deep study plus attention to detail is required.
6. As Abhinav himself has said in the book, he was lucky yet grateful that his family could afford the expenditure for an expensive sport like shooting. But what if he was born in a poor family? Being born in a well off family meant does he have the competitive juices flowing in him to win a gold? Never take things for granted. Be humble and grateful for the things you have in life and strive to be better.
7. Be relentless, be obsessed, be attentive to detail.
Abhinav has been brutally honest and blunt about his journey to his Olympics gold. He had just no interest in anything other than shooting. He was so obsessed with it that he couldn't care less.
What I learnt from him is
1. Be willing to sacrifice for years to achieve something. At the end, nothing else will matter.
2. There are not shortcuts for success. Plan everything meticulously to detail including the setbacks. I really loved how he was so attentive to detail that he even was possessive about the heel of his shoes, the floor of the arena, his jackets, etc
3. Be willing to change and experiment methods. I liked how he changed his stance to be a better shooter.
4. Want to achieve something in life? Don't be soft because world is competitive, ruthless and harsh.
5. Small increments in life just like in shooting takes practice. A 599 and 600 maybe a difference in a single point but that's the difference between gold and silver. For such small improvements, deep study plus attention to detail is required.
6. As Abhinav himself has said in the book, he was lucky yet grateful that his family could afford the expenditure for an expensive sport like shooting. But what if he was born in a poor family? Being born in a well off family meant does he have the competitive juices flowing in him to win a gold? Never take things for granted. Be humble and grateful for the things you have in life and strive to be better.
7. Be relentless, be obsessed, be attentive to detail.
March 28, 2022
Yes, I am the odd one out by giving a 3 rating for a book that is rated 4.5 almost .
The book is a good read or a listen for sure. So pick it up and read. It tells you a story of Abhinav Bindra and it’s a story worth a listen surely. It also gave me information and knowledge about shooting as a sport which one does not know otherwise.
What did not work is having read and followed writings of R Brijnath I knew the words were his and thus the writing did not give me an author resonation . I did not know how true the language expressed what was supposed to be conveyed .
Further someone else reciting an autobiography along with the aforementioned point on writing made the story good but could not connect or reach out to me.
Also the comparison with other sports and repeatedly mentioning that other sports and players had an advantage that shooting does not provide, I did not agree with.
Yet am glad I picked up the book and got to know the story behind the man who won India’s first individual Olympic gold.
The book is a good read or a listen for sure. So pick it up and read. It tells you a story of Abhinav Bindra and it’s a story worth a listen surely. It also gave me information and knowledge about shooting as a sport which one does not know otherwise.
What did not work is having read and followed writings of R Brijnath I knew the words were his and thus the writing did not give me an author resonation . I did not know how true the language expressed what was supposed to be conveyed .
Further someone else reciting an autobiography along with the aforementioned point on writing made the story good but could not connect or reach out to me.
Also the comparison with other sports and repeatedly mentioning that other sports and players had an advantage that shooting does not provide, I did not agree with.
Yet am glad I picked up the book and got to know the story behind the man who won India’s first individual Olympic gold.
August 16, 2021
Until I had finished reading this book I knew very little about Abhinav Bindra other than his memorable Olympic gold. I believe it's true for the majority of us.
This book is the pursuit of a journey in search of excellence. A single minded focus to achieve something. The book explains it beautifully. It is all about process, determination and focus.
There are many life lessons in the book. It narrates the story of Bindra's journey from teenager to Olympic gold medalist all along asking some serious questions about our sports system. The book is not just the narratives; rather sometimes it becomes an interrogative session with self, asking questions and seeking answers.
This is an amazing book with a lot of insight into shooting as a sport, Bindra as a sports person and India as a system.
This book is the pursuit of a journey in search of excellence. A single minded focus to achieve something. The book explains it beautifully. It is all about process, determination and focus.
There are many life lessons in the book. It narrates the story of Bindra's journey from teenager to Olympic gold medalist all along asking some serious questions about our sports system. The book is not just the narratives; rather sometimes it becomes an interrogative session with self, asking questions and seeking answers.
This is an amazing book with a lot of insight into shooting as a sport, Bindra as a sports person and India as a system.
October 7, 2021
What a book-raw, honest and emotional. I now understand why the Olympics is the zenith of human excellence
The book gives you an in-depth look inside an Olympian's head-the doubts, fears, anxieties and the fire which burns within them and highlights the immense sacrifice they make every single day of their life. To quote from the book "The Olympics is not every four years, it's every day". I
The honesty with which Abhinav admits his battles with his mind, his desperation to be the best and willingness to try just about anything to get there and the openness with which he speaks about his epilepsy is simply awe inspiring.
Thank you, Mr Bindra for the wonderful memories and for breaking the ginormous glass barrier for Indians of my age. You made us believe we can be the best in the world.
The book gives you an in-depth look inside an Olympian's head-the doubts, fears, anxieties and the fire which burns within them and highlights the immense sacrifice they make every single day of their life. To quote from the book "The Olympics is not every four years, it's every day". I
The honesty with which Abhinav admits his battles with his mind, his desperation to be the best and willingness to try just about anything to get there and the openness with which he speaks about his epilepsy is simply awe inspiring.
Thank you, Mr Bindra for the wonderful memories and for breaking the ginormous glass barrier for Indians of my age. You made us believe we can be the best in the world.
April 1, 2023
A thoroughly compelling read which takes you through the mind and life of a brilliant athlete! A story about Abhinav Bindra's single-minded quest for perfection in a sport where decimal points of a millimetre decide whether you win or lose. His journey across World Cups, World Championships, CW games and finally from Sydney to Athens to a BEIJING GOLD and then to relative failures in London and Rio is such an inspiration. A 5 star read on sport, grit, hope and passion.
December 31, 2019
If you ever could put a number on the amount of a hell lot of efforts, time, energy, sacrifices that are invested in winning one GOLD, multiply that by near infinity. And all of this just to increase a winning probability. This book explains you and how.. Wow to this book. A must read for anybody aspiring to go from great to greatest.
May 15, 2024
This is another level of obsession rarely anyone can match upto it in any field. He won Olympic gold in his mid 20s but even when in his last Olympics 2016 he stood 4th in the world. Unbelievable... plenty to learn.
May 6, 2024
The best book on Sports in India !
June 2, 2014
What will be your views about a person, who has won the only individual Gold Medal in Summer Olympics from the second most populated country in the world, whose sports structure has been in shackles from time immemorial? If I may suggest, nothing less than a status of legend would do, and a legend he is, by all measures!
This auto-biography, whose lucid proses and witty language are further beautified by the co-author (Rohit Brijnath, who is a sports writer), works because of the close detailing and many inside stories provided by the Legend Abhinav Bindra. The insights and the experiences shared by Bindra are amazing because it tells us about the stuff from which winners are made. Mr Bindra has many things to share because he starts from his love of shooting from the adolescence and then covers the whole journey till his loss in London 2012 (reviewed book is a 2013 edition). Yes, he is brave enough to give equal importance to the phase when he didn’t win (like in Athens 2004). And that is why everyone should read this book. Because winners are not made on the day of victory, but they are prepared over a long course of time when they have to mold themselves in the cast of greatness. He explains it further, “If victory requires investigation, defeat needs an even finer analysis.”
Bindra’s story shows that Olympic dream is not a beyond the bounds of possibility. All it needs is determination, hard work, focus and constant urge to better your skills. Though he is criticized by some because of his affluent background, which they credit more for his success, he blatantly tells that if only money could have provided such success then all the medals would have been won by the children of Ambani, Tata or Birla. If viewed rationally, the point has merit, as it is just not money that gives you an Olympic win. In sports, or any field for that matter, it is how you respond to challenges that determine the success and not the cash in your wallet. But he does accept the fact that he had the luxury to not to face any financial troubles. This fact should not take the credit of his work which has created history.
Though finances could have been easy for him to get, but this could not take away the fact that he had to face the utterly non-professional attitude by the sports authority. One thing that he shares at a very bitter note is his experiences with Indian Sports official. He is disappointed by them and believes that they don’t treat sport persons with the deserving care and attention. His story is an exemplary tale of fighting against the system, bearing the burden of expectations, controlling the emotions and the burning desire to win the Gold medal for his billion strong country men. This book is full of encouraging thoughts, powerful emotions for positivity and amazing determination to achieve personal goal. These points make it one of the must read Indian auto-biographies for everyone, regardless of one’s interest in sport (or shooting).
A wonderful account of his personal life, this well-chronicled memoir never fails to steal an innocent smile because of its warmth in narration. A self-confessed shy guy, this book shows that shooters (or person from any sport for that matter) can have eclectic sense of humor. A brilliant read which will take you through a hard journey of winning the gold medal and witnessing the pain, agony and frustration that a sportsperson has to go through for that glistering object. And because his win was a dream which is too good a story to ignore!
This auto-biography, whose lucid proses and witty language are further beautified by the co-author (Rohit Brijnath, who is a sports writer), works because of the close detailing and many inside stories provided by the Legend Abhinav Bindra. The insights and the experiences shared by Bindra are amazing because it tells us about the stuff from which winners are made. Mr Bindra has many things to share because he starts from his love of shooting from the adolescence and then covers the whole journey till his loss in London 2012 (reviewed book is a 2013 edition). Yes, he is brave enough to give equal importance to the phase when he didn’t win (like in Athens 2004). And that is why everyone should read this book. Because winners are not made on the day of victory, but they are prepared over a long course of time when they have to mold themselves in the cast of greatness. He explains it further, “If victory requires investigation, defeat needs an even finer analysis.”
Bindra’s story shows that Olympic dream is not a beyond the bounds of possibility. All it needs is determination, hard work, focus and constant urge to better your skills. Though he is criticized by some because of his affluent background, which they credit more for his success, he blatantly tells that if only money could have provided such success then all the medals would have been won by the children of Ambani, Tata or Birla. If viewed rationally, the point has merit, as it is just not money that gives you an Olympic win. In sports, or any field for that matter, it is how you respond to challenges that determine the success and not the cash in your wallet. But he does accept the fact that he had the luxury to not to face any financial troubles. This fact should not take the credit of his work which has created history.
Though finances could have been easy for him to get, but this could not take away the fact that he had to face the utterly non-professional attitude by the sports authority. One thing that he shares at a very bitter note is his experiences with Indian Sports official. He is disappointed by them and believes that they don’t treat sport persons with the deserving care and attention. His story is an exemplary tale of fighting against the system, bearing the burden of expectations, controlling the emotions and the burning desire to win the Gold medal for his billion strong country men. This book is full of encouraging thoughts, powerful emotions for positivity and amazing determination to achieve personal goal. These points make it one of the must read Indian auto-biographies for everyone, regardless of one’s interest in sport (or shooting).
A wonderful account of his personal life, this well-chronicled memoir never fails to steal an innocent smile because of its warmth in narration. A self-confessed shy guy, this book shows that shooters (or person from any sport for that matter) can have eclectic sense of humor. A brilliant read which will take you through a hard journey of winning the gold medal and witnessing the pain, agony and frustration that a sportsperson has to go through for that glistering object. And because his win was a dream which is too good a story to ignore!
May 13, 2017
A different athlete's autobiography. Must read
Had heard about the book, but decided to read it when the legend Rahul Dravid wrote about how this book, by an athlete much younger than him, inspired him so much that it helped him to do more, at a time when he was considering retirement. Wow!
True to what I expected, the journey of Abhinav Bindra must be learned, most be studied in detail, just like he studied his sport and himself in detail. To what extent he went, to gain that minute little more, is amazing to know. This is peak of introspection and self realization.
This also tells us that it is not only the 'rags to riches' success stories that are inspiring. That rich doesn't necessarily mean spoilt. That a comfortable childhood doesn't necessarily groom a softer athlete, or person. It is all about passion, realization. And in a way, I felt, that the lack of a 'need' to be a better athlete and perform well to support your family, is sometimes a disadvantage in a life of sports.
Very well written, this story delves deep into the finer details of a sport unknown to many, a lesser glamorous, lesser followed sport of technicalities and mind games. And also into the thoughts of Abhinav Bindra, a self conquered introvert, who is in fact ready by all means to shout out whatever he has learnt, to inspire one more shooter, to shoot for India. What a journey, sir. Thank you for this.
Had heard about the book, but decided to read it when the legend Rahul Dravid wrote about how this book, by an athlete much younger than him, inspired him so much that it helped him to do more, at a time when he was considering retirement. Wow!
True to what I expected, the journey of Abhinav Bindra must be learned, most be studied in detail, just like he studied his sport and himself in detail. To what extent he went, to gain that minute little more, is amazing to know. This is peak of introspection and self realization.
This also tells us that it is not only the 'rags to riches' success stories that are inspiring. That rich doesn't necessarily mean spoilt. That a comfortable childhood doesn't necessarily groom a softer athlete, or person. It is all about passion, realization. And in a way, I felt, that the lack of a 'need' to be a better athlete and perform well to support your family, is sometimes a disadvantage in a life of sports.
Very well written, this story delves deep into the finer details of a sport unknown to many, a lesser glamorous, lesser followed sport of technicalities and mind games. And also into the thoughts of Abhinav Bindra, a self conquered introvert, who is in fact ready by all means to shout out whatever he has learnt, to inspire one more shooter, to shoot for India. What a journey, sir. Thank you for this.
July 4, 2017
[Rating: 4.5/5]
The lost medal of Athens gave me a hunger in Beijing; the won medal in Beijing brought me distraction in London. This sport, it's a funny business
The one Book I wanted to read from very long time, finally I kept this Book down with inexplicable feelings. This Book takes readers a journey of Proud Indian Sports shooter Abhinav Bindra from his Boyhood to Hair graying Olympian - This Book certainly deserves all the appraisal for what good reading gives.
I can't say what Particularly I liked about this Book because it's a not a fiction - It's true account of his whole life; Involves chicken-hearted shy boy, Obsessive shooter, an insecure man who craves for perfection and a fulfilled human being who won a gold medal for India and made whole country proud.
Nothing in particular to dislike about the Book; I probably say that the intensity of a Book by it takes off goes missing when you're in the middle; I felt some things are repetitive, and I felt like Abhinav Bindra seemingly tries to describe himself as an insecure man - Which I don't agree. but It's Biography and it has to be about himself - No complaints.
To summarize It's a Book not only sports people can read but each and every human being who is striving for something to achieve can definitely read and Abhinav goes into the core of explaining what is perfection means - and how it feels.
Practice is a talent. Perseverance is a talent. Hard work is a talent.
The lost medal of Athens gave me a hunger in Beijing; the won medal in Beijing brought me distraction in London. This sport, it's a funny business
The one Book I wanted to read from very long time, finally I kept this Book down with inexplicable feelings. This Book takes readers a journey of Proud Indian Sports shooter Abhinav Bindra from his Boyhood to Hair graying Olympian - This Book certainly deserves all the appraisal for what good reading gives.
I can't say what Particularly I liked about this Book because it's a not a fiction - It's true account of his whole life; Involves chicken-hearted shy boy, Obsessive shooter, an insecure man who craves for perfection and a fulfilled human being who won a gold medal for India and made whole country proud.
Nothing in particular to dislike about the Book; I probably say that the intensity of a Book by it takes off goes missing when you're in the middle; I felt some things are repetitive, and I felt like Abhinav Bindra seemingly tries to describe himself as an insecure man - Which I don't agree. but It's Biography and it has to be about himself - No complaints.
To summarize It's a Book not only sports people can read but each and every human being who is striving for something to achieve can definitely read and Abhinav goes into the core of explaining what is perfection means - and how it feels.
Practice is a talent. Perseverance is a talent. Hard work is a talent.
June 18, 2025
"The hero is the district winner, the state conqueror, the national champion, for every medal, of any weight, requires effort. The hero is the athlete who won't even win any of this, for not everyone can. Because they still strive, he running for family, she swimming for country, sometimes not given a lucky break, missed by a selector, bereft of sponsor, absent of mentor. But unshakeable from their task, taking the leap, confronting shortcomings. This is man at his best, invisible, unacknowledged, still pushing to do the deed amidst hardship. This athlete is never irrelevant, he has still won. He has pride and it is only found with everything given. "
# inspiration
# inspiration
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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