Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra was on his way to Rio to prep for the Games, starting August 5, when he ran into unexpected trouble - his coach's passport was stolen in Cologne, Germany. In a series of tweets, the Olympic gold medalist sought Ms Swaraj's help in the matter.
@SushmaSwaraj 1/2 Ma'am my coaches passport is stolen in Cologne and need assistance. We are on our way to Rio for the pre Olympics
- Abhinav Bindra (@Abhinav_Bindra) April 9, 2016
@SushmaSwaraj and are stuck. Need your help in order to secure a new travel document and Brazil visa to be able to compete successfully. 2/2
- Abhinav Bindra (@Abhinav_Bindra) April 9, 2016
@SushmaSwaraj would be grateful if some immediate help could be provided. Thank you so much
- Abhinav Bindra (@Abhinav_Bindra) April 9, 2016
In a couple hours, Ms Swaraj replied to Abhinav Bindra, asked India's Ambassador to Germany Gurjit Singh to intervene, and wrote back to Mr Bindra promising help.
Please give me your phone number.@Abhinav_Bindra https://t.co/LyEPitRh2Q
- Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 9, 2016
@Abhinav_Bindra @SushmaSwaraj
- IndianAmb in Germany (@AmbGurjitSingh) April 9, 2016
Mr Bindra. Please tell me the problem. We will help you. Ambassador Gurjit Singh
However, in return for helping out with the lost passport, she did ask Abhinav Bindra to make a teeny-tiny promise.
@SushmaSwaraj @AmbGurjitSingh with your good wishes ma'am. Will do my best and will not leave any stone unturned in this endeavor
- Abhinav Bindra (@Abhinav_Bindra) April 9, 2016
Eventually, all was sorted and the shooter and his coach went on to Brazil as planned. Ms Swaraj returned for a final tweet - to announce that all was well and make sure Mr Bindra remembers their deal.
@SushmaSwaraj @AmbGurjitSingh yes ma'am with every ones good wishes. Thank you again for everything.
- Abhinav Bindra (@Abhinav_Bindra) April 10, 2016
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