Bindra misses out on gold

Air Rifle World record holder Abhinav Bindra clinched 'Den Haag Cup' in the Intershoot 2001 leg of the European shooting circuit at the Hague despite losing out on the gold medal to Dick Boshman of The Netherlands.

The 18-year-old Indian shooter, who has so far grabbed six gold medals, won a silver with a total score of 694.3 points and had the consolation of beating Sydney Olympics gold medallist Rajmond Debrie of Slovenia on Sunday.

The Dutchman aggregated 700.9 points to win the gold but was just 1.5 points off Bindra's World record of 702.4, achieved at the Luxembourg circuit last month.

Bindra was thrilled after outclassing Debrie, who settled for a bronze medal with a total of 694.

The Slovenian is a veteran, with career spanning 25 years and five Olympics.

"I am so happy that I outclassed Rajmond. It was an excellent match to shoot amidst the top shooters of the world," Bindra said.

After trailing by four points to Boshman 593-597, Bindra came up with 101.3 in the final which the Dutch shooter even bettered with 103.9 show.

Bindra now eyes the 2004 Athens Olympics.

"My aim is the Olympics, Asian Games, World Shooting Championship and I want to be on top in these events. I have still to work hard on my preparations for the 2004 Olympics."

Bindra, who now heads for the seven-event Danish shooting circuit, said he needs a full-time coach on the circuit.

The young prodigy, who lifted Nissan Cup in Luxemburg and Den Haag Cup in Holland, will be vying for the Baltic Cup at the Wiesbaden tourney in Denmark.

Related report:

Bindra places 11th in Olympics shooting