Onkar Singh/Rediff

New Delhi, Aug 14: Abhinav Bindra returned to a hero's welcome in the wee hours of Thursday morning.

The shooter, who won India's first ever individual Olympic gold in the 10m Air Rifle event at the Olympics, arrived on an Air China flight from Beijing.

Bindra's father Apjit Singh Bindra, mother Babli Bindra, his sister Divya Kapoor and brother-in-law Angad Kapoor were present at the airport to receive him.

Bindra, while showing his medal to the huge crowd that had thronged the Indira Gandhi International Airport, attributed his triumph to his family.

"I am very happy. I feel honoured that I have won the first gold medal in the Olympics. It is a proud moment for me to win a gold for my country," Bindra said.

"I am aware that I have brought honour to the country. I am an introvert. I am tired and I have not slept for three days. I will meet the media tomorrow," he added.

The 25-year-old has a busy day ahead with scheduled meetings with President of India Pratibha Patil and the Sports Minister M S Gill, amongst others.

The media was in full strength for the reception, arranged by the Indian Rifle Association. The beating of drums grew louder as word spread that the champion, flanked by his mother, sister and proud father, was heading towards the exit gate.

Hell broke loose as photographers and television cameramen vied with each other to capture the event. In the din nothing could be heard and Abhinav was led to the exit for VIP's on the first floor. Someone from Minister of Sports M S Gill's office tipped off the media and soon everyone made a 100 meters dash to the VIP exit.

Abhinav proudly displayed his gold medal. As he turned around to leave, his sister requested him to give photojournalists another opportunity for pictures.