Air rifle shooting champion Abhinav Bindra receives Olympic Order award in Paris

India’s first individual Olympic Gold medalist, Abhinav Bindra, has been awarded the prestigious 'Olympic Order' at the 142nd International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Paris. Bindra, who clinched gold in the men's 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, received this accolade—the highest honour bestowed by the IOC—for his outstanding contributions to the Olympic Movement.

Bindra's legacy and dedication to the Olympic dream

Reflecting on his journey, Bindra expressed deep gratitude for the role the Olympic rings have played in his life. "When I was a young boy, these Olympic rings gave meaning to my life, and it has been a privilege to pursue my Olympic dream for over two decades," Bindra remarked. He emphasised that, post-retirement, his passion has been to give back to the Olympic Movement. "This award only fuels that passion more, and I hope to continue working harder and contributing to the Olympic Movement for the rest of my life," he added.

A testament to perseverance and dedication

Bindra, who has won approximately 150 individual medals in sport shooting, sees this recognition as not just a personal milestone but a testament to the perseverance and dedication that sports instill. "I am deeply honored to be recognized by the IOC, and I dedicate this to all the athletes and sports enthusiasts who strive to uphold the Olympic ideals," Bindra stated.

A lifelong commitment to sport

Since retiring, Bindra has been actively involved in nurturing the next generation of athletes through the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT). His foundation supports grassroots athletes by providing access to the best technology to prepare for the Olympics. Bindra, a recipient of the ISSF’s Blue Cross in 2018, continues to be a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the globe.