'No athlete can underestimate the prayers of a billion people'

'India has celebrated with great vigour the achievement of each and every athlete, as much as its cricket team', says Olympic bronze medalist Gagan Narang, in our special series where well-known Indians tell Rediff.com what they love most about India.

I belong to the Y2K generation of this great nation. What makes it dear to me is the love and the support I get from a billion Indians every time I am in the range.

Each sporting medal, each achievement, turns into a reason for celebration in a country starved of sporting success.

Today's Indians think differently, we believe in making the difference.

And that's what we are setting out to do in every field -- be it business, commerce, sports or entertainment. We have not only contributed to India's growth, but Indians the world over have made creditable contributions.

Turning to sports, India has celebrated with great vigour the achievement of each and every athlete, as much as its cricket team.;

Perhaps no one can underestimate the prayers of a billion people. Their prayers have the power to overcome every obstacle.

Gagan Narang won the bronze medal in the men's 10m Air Rifle event at the London Olympics in 2012. He spoke to Harish Kotian.

The Complete series: Why I love India 

Image: Gagan Narang poses with his bronze medal at the victory ceremony for the London Olympics. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/ Reuters