Indian shooting legend Abhinav Bindra was on Saturday awarded the prestigious Olympic Order in recognition of his “outstanding contribution” to the Olympic movement. Bindra, who became India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist with his victory in the 10m air rifle shooting at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, received the award during the 142nd session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Bindra said of the honour, “When I was a young boy, it was these Olympic rings that gave my life meaning. Pursuing my Olympic dream for more than two decades was a privilege and contributing to the Olympic movement after my retirement was a passion of mine. It was a privilege and an honour.”
The 41-year-old, who is currently Vice-Chairman of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, said the award would motivate him to become even more involved in the Olympic Movement. The Olympic Order, created in 1975, is the highest award of the Olympic Movement and recognises individuals for their significant contributions.
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Bindra, who has competed in five consecutive Summer Games since Sydney 2000, first came to attention in Athens 2004 when he reached the final of the men’s 10m air rifle shooting. He secured gold in Beijing 2008 by defeating defending champion Zhu Qinan of China. He also reached the final in Rio 2016, finishing fourth. Bindra has been a member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission since 2018.
