I wasn't thinking of making history: Bindra

Beijing: Making history was not on shooter Abhinav Bindra's mind when he took aim for the Olympic men's 10m air rifle title on Monday.

In fact, before he made the crucial winning shot, he wasn't thinking about anything.

Showing the same ice-cold nerves that just moments earlier had helped him come from far behind to win India's long-awaited first gold medal, Bindra was a picture of tranquillity at a news conference after winning his country's first ever individual gold medal.

That stood in stark contrast to a weeping Zhu Qinan, the defending champion from China, who took silver.

"For me life will go on — it's alright," he said, dismissing any suggestion the gold would change his life.

He expressed doubts he would be a national hero in India for his achievement.

"I can't describe how happy I am," the ever-calm Bindra said.

"It's the thrill of my life. That's about it. It's hard to describe. I just went for it. I knew I was lying in fourth. Thankfully it went my way and I just went for it."

Bindra, who faced criticism for failing to deliver on the great promise he showed as a child, said he was not thinking about making history in India.

Indeed, he said, he was "not thinking about anything".

"I was just trying to concentrate on shooting," he said.

"I wasn't thinking of making history. I was two points behind the leaders. I was just trying to shoot good shots. I wanted to shoot well and shoot aggressively. And that's what I did."

His 10.8 of a possible 10.9 on his final shot sparked loud celebrations from group of fans from India in the shooting hall.

But asked if was looking forward to going home to what will likely be a hero's welcome, the laconic Bindra replied: "Not really. I don't like plane travels."