28Th Olympics – 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 | Olympic Games | Shooting Sports | Sports | |
Table of Contents
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.