“When I was a little boy, it was those Olympic rings that gave my life meaning,” Bindra said.
“And it has been a privilege to be able to pursue my Olympic dream for over two decades. After my sporting career, it was a great passion of mine to try to give something back to the Olympic movement. It has been a privilege and an honour,” he added.
The 41-year-old, who is also vice-chairman of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, said the award would encourage him to continue working harder and contributing to the Olympic Movement.
Established in 1975, the Olympic Order is the highest honour of the Olympic Movement. It is awarded to individuals for their outstanding contribution to the Olympic Movement.
Bindra has competed in the Summer Olympics five times since Sydney 2000. He first came to attention in Athens 2004 when he made it to the final of the men’s 10m air rifle shooting. In Beijing 2008, he defeated defending champion Zhu Qinan of China to win the gold medal. He also made it to the final in Rio 2016, but finished fourth.
Bindra has been part of the IOC Athletes’ Commission since 2018.