Click to play videoNew Delhi: What is a nation without its sporting success? 2008 was the year Indian sport attracted eyeballs around the globe. Through the highs and lows of the year, six sportspersons made us proud to be Indian. Here are the nominees for Indian of the Year in sport.
Abhinav Bindra: A billion-plus nation, yet not one individual Olympic champion - all that changed on August 11 when a calm Abhinav Bindra shot in the Beijing shooting range. It was as though he had some unfinished business at the Olympics. A nerve-wracking three hours later, millions danced in front of their TV screens. India had a new hero. Abhinav Bindra and finally an individual Olympic champion.
Jeev Milkha Singh: Another Indian on a roll in 2008 was Jeev Milka Singh. He won four titles on four different tours, including the Singapore Open win where Jeev played despite the trauma of losing his unborn child. He ended the year as world number 36, the highest ranked Indian ever.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni: But what’s Indian sport without cricket? The Indians redefined the way they played cricket. Dhoni, with a grin always on his face, led India to a win over Australia in the tri series down under. Chennai embraced him as its son as he led them to the finals of the IPL. MSD is King, Mind it!
Saina Nehwal: A quiet 18 year old Hyderabadi took her first steps to fame. Nehwal stormed into the quarter finals at Beijing, the first Indian to do so, triggering an incredible run - a win in the Chinese Taipei open, the World Junior title. She started the year wanting to break into the world top 25 and ended it at 10th place and a tag of the most promising player in the world.
Vijender Singh, Sushil Kumar: Before Beijing, Indian boxing and wrestling were just another sport. But during Olympics, they catapulted into an obsession. Vijender Singh won a bronze and.Sushil Kumar quietly wrestled his way into the history books. He didn’t flinch and won an Olympic bronze, it was India's best Olympics.
Vishwanathan Anand: No one has taken the Tricolour higher in the chess arena than Anand. He was the world championships winner last year but the critics still scoffed. They set up a mega battle with challenger Vladimir Kramnik and by the time he finished, Kramnik and his backers were shell shocked.
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