Bindra to call it quits after Rio Olympics

Abhinav Bindra, India's only individual gold medallist at the Olympics, will bring the curtain down on his illustrious career at the upcoming Rio Games, where he will be the country's flag-bearer at the opening ceremony, on August 5.

The 33-year-old shooter, who won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, termed his 20-year sporting career as special.

"As my sporting career, which lasted 20 years, draws to a close on the 8th of August, this is indeed special," Bindra wrote on his Twitter handle.

"To be the flag bearer at the Olympic Games is an athletes ultimate honor.I am humbled & grateful to be considered worthy of this great honor.

"I am sure the Indian Olympic Team would have the support of over a billion people as we march into the Rio Olympic Stadium."

Bindra will make his fifth Olympics appearance this year. He will compete in the men's 10-metre air rifle event on August 8.

The 33-year-old won a historic gold in the 10-metre air rifle event at the Beijing Games in 2008.

Image: Abhinav Bindra

Photograph: Jeff Gross/Getty Images