Abhinav Bindra bestowed with prestigious 'Olympic Order' honour in Paris

• Image Credit: Google

• Aug 11, 2024 | Guriya Khatun

Bindra, who has earned around 150 individual medals in sport shooting, was previously awarded the Blue Cross in 2018, the highest honor from the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).

Digital Desk: Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medallist, received the prestigious 'Olympic Order' at the 142nd IOC session in Paris. Bindra, who clinched gold in the men's 10m air rifle at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, was honored with this highest accolade from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for his exceptional contributions to the Olympic Movement.

Reflecting on the honor, Bindra shared, "As a young boy, the Olympic rings gave my life meaning, and pursuing my Olympic dream for over two decades has been a privilege. Even after my athletic career, contributing to the Olympic movement has been a great passion. This award fuels that passion further, and I am committed to working harder to support the Olympic movement for the rest of my life."

He added, "This recognition is more than a personal achievement; it represents the perseverance and dedication that sports instill in us. I am deeply honored by this acknowledgment from the IOC and dedicate it to all athletes and sports enthusiasts who uphold the Olympic ideals."

Bindra, who has earned around 150 individual medals in sport shooting, was previously awarded the Blue Cross in 2018, the highest honor from the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). Since retiring, he has focused on mentoring young athletes through the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT), which supports the next generation with access to advanced technology and grassroots support.

Bindra joins a select group of Indian athletes who have won Olympic medals, including Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Vijay Kumar, Gagan Narang, Manu Bhaker (twice in Paris), and Sarabjot Singh.