28Th Olympics – Shooting

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.