28Th Olympics – Shooting

Shooting

Technical Data

Stamp Set Olympic Games Summer Olympic Games - Athens
Date of Issue August 13, 2004
Denomination Rs. 15
Quantity 3000000
Perforation comb 14
Printer Calcutta Security Printers Ltd
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Multicolor
Catalog Codes

Michel IN 2035

Stamp Number IN 2069c

Yvert et Tellier IN 1800

Stanley Gibbons IN 2214

WADP Numbering System - WNS IN021.04

Themes

Commemorative Stamp Set: 28th Olympic Games – Shooting

Design Elements:

    • The commemorative stamp set for the 28th Olympic Games features a shooter aiming down the sights of a rifle or pistol, symbolizing focus, precision, and control, which are essential elements of Olympic shooting.
    • The backdrop includes Olympic rings, the year “2004,” and the host city “Athens.” A target with concentric rings may also be subtly integrated, representing the heart of the sport.
    • The design highlights the shooter in action, with elements of speed and accuracy, and incorporates a Greek temple or iconic historical structure to reference the ancient Olympics.

    Cultural and Historical Significance:

      • Shooting as a sport has been part of the modern Olympics since 1896. The sport tests athletes’ precision in hitting distant targets, whether with rifles, pistols, or shotguns.
      • For India, shooting has grown into a premier sport with the country producing world-class shooters like Abhinav Bindra and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. At the 2004 Athens Olympics, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore made history by winning a silver medal in Men’s Double Trap, India’s first-ever individual silver medal in the Olympics.
      • The stamp honors this achievement and emphasizes shooting as an evolving discipline with deep ties to Indian success at the Olympic level.

      Usage:

        • The stamp set serves as a way to celebrate India’s growing presence in shooting at the Olympics and recognize the increasing international success of Indian shooters.
        • The stamps are usable as postal currency on letters and packages, making them both a functional piece of stationery and a commemorative item for collectors and shooting enthusiasts.
        • The design captures India’s Olympic spirit and reminds the public of the importance of dedication, focus, and excellence in competitive sports.

        Importance of the Commemorative Stamp Set:

          • This stamp set is significant for celebrating India’s breakthrough in shooting sports on the global stage. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore’s 2004 silver medal was a watershed moment for Indian athletics, inspiring a new generation of shooters.
          • It highlights the values associated with the sport, including accuracy, concentration, and resilience, which are not only important for shooting but for life in general.
          • The commemorative stamp helps preserve India’s Olympic history and celebrate its evolving sporting culture.

          Example of the Stamp Design:

            • The stamp features a shooter mid-action, aiming towards a target, with the backdrop of Olympic rings and Greek architecture. The focus is on the poised athlete, their silhouette emphasizing concentration and precision. The denomination of the stamp is Rs. 15/-, indicating its premium value as both a commemorative and postal item.

            Significance:

              • The shooting stamp set commemorates India’s rise in Olympic sports and underscores the country’s achievements on the international stage.
              • It also connects India’s success in shooting with the broader Olympic ideals of faster, higher, stronger, reflecting the dedication and hard work required to excel.
              • By issuing this commemorative stamp, India Post celebrates not just Olympic victories but also the spirit of perseverance that has led to India’s growth in shooting sports.