Jaya congratulates Bindra for winning Gold medal

Chennai, Aug 11 (UNI) Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa congratulated Abhinav Bindra on winning the first individual gold medal for India at the Olympics today.

In a congratulatory message to Bindra, a copy of which was released to the media here, Ms Jayalalithaa said the people of Tamil Nadu stood as one behind her in wishing him greater success and fame in the years to come.

''By winning the Gold medal at the Beijing Olympics in the 10 metres air rifle shooting event, you have done the Nation proud by clinching India's first ever individual Olympic Gold,'' she said.

''Congratulations! And keep up the good work, we are all proud of you,'' she added.

Recalling Bindra's world championship in 2006, the first ever for the country in shooting with a spectacular performance, she said ''today's feat is a repeat.'' ''The fact that the thrilling final went right up to the last shot and that you came out on top in a battle of nerves, speaks volumes about your skill, confidence and emotional maturity,'' Ms Jayalalithaa said.

UNI WS ROY RKM BST1610