Reader Satyaprakash N. Kandare sent us this picture.

'I am a business manager in a private firm. Last week I was on a business tour to China, from 5th to 12th August. On 12th August, while returning from Shanghai, I was lucky to have Dr. M.S.Gill (Sports Minister) on the same flight,' writes Satyaprakash.

'I congratulated him on the gold medal win by Abhinav Bindra [Images]. In turn, he wished me the same. The minister looked in a cheerful mood and quickly agreed for a couple of snaps through my mobile. He inquired about me and asked the purpose of my visit to China.

'Incidentally, he was on the same flight while going to China also for the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing [Images] Olympics [Images].

'It was great that I got a chance to share my happiness of India winning a gold medal after so many years with a supreme personality related to sports. I treat this as an Independence day surprise for myself.'

Thank you, Satyaprakash, for sharing this picture!

If you encounter your favourite cricket/sports personalities, send us the photograph or video on sportsdesk@rediff.co.in We will feature the best images right here on Rediff Sports or Rediff Cricket.

- Please check more Reader photographs