Rio Olympics flag bearer Bindra to retire on August 8

India's lone individual Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, who was on Friday named the country's flag bearer for the upcoming Rio Olympics, announced that he will retire post the quadrennial event.

Bindra, who clinched the gold in the men's 10 metre air rifle event in Beijing, was chosen as the flag bearer of the Indian contingent at the Rio Games' opening ceremony on August 5.

The 33-year-old, who is all set to make his fifth Olympic appearance this year, took to Twitter to thank the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for choosing him, adding that the curtains will come down on his two-decade-old career after the men's 10 metre air rifle event ends in Rio on August 8.

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

In subsequent tweets, the ace shooter wrote, "I am sure the Indian Olympic Team would have the support of over a billion people as we march into the Rio Olympic Stadium."

"As my sporting career which lasted 20 years draws to a close on the 8th of August , this is indeed special," he added.

The former World Champion is also one of the goodwill ambassadors of the Indian contingent for the Rio Games and is working towards inspiring the athletes to give their best in the Brazilian city this summer.

--IANS

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