Give priority to Olympic sports: Bindra

New Delhi: Olympic sports should be given priority to make India a sporting nation, said the country's first Olympic individual gold medalist Abhinav Bindra on Thursday after a meeting President Pratibha Patil.

Emerging from a 20-minute meeting with Patil, Bindra, attired in the Indian Olympic contingent uniform of sky blue blazer and black trouser, said he was overwhelmed at the reception given to him on his return from Beijing.

"I am extremely happy. I am overwhelmed at the response received here," he said.

The 25-year-old shooter said the President told him that she was excited about his feat in the Olympics. "She was overwhelmed, very excited. She was very kind and gracious," Bindra, flanked by parents AS Bindra and Babli and Sports Minister MS Gill, said.

"India is proud of your achievement. Each and every children of the country is happy over your feat", Patil told Bindra, giving a pat on his cheek.

Bindra's composure in the tense final at the shooting range impressed the President who wanted to know the secret behind it.

With the flicker of a smile, Bindra said, "I just wanted to perform till the end. Winning or losing was not in my mind."

The President enquired about Bindra's backpain, which had at one stage threatened to cut short his career, and AS Bindra told her that his son "is much better now".

Patil also presented him a plaque of the Rashtrapati Bhawan and a table clock.

Asked about reports that his gun was tampered with during the final, Bindra said "I cannot be sure. So, there is no need to comment. Everything was fine."

AS Bindra said the family was grateful to the whole nation about the love and affection showered on his son after his achievement.

"I thank the entire nation. It is so heartening...we have now words to describe," the proud father said.

Asked what dish she had prepared for his son, mother Babli said as Abhinav arrived late in the night she did not get time to cook his favourite dishes.

"In the morning, we had a quick breakfast. When we return to Chandigarh, I will prepare his favourite food," she said.