Bindra receives Olympic Order for distinguished contribution to Olympic movement

Indian shooting icon Abhinav Bindra was conferred the prestigious Olympic Order in recognition of his “distinguished contribution” to the Olympic movement. Bindra, who became India’s first-ever individual gold medallist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with his best performance in the 10m air rifle event, was given the honour by the International Olympic Committee during its 142nd session here on Saturday.

“When I was a little boy, it was the Olympic rings that gave meaning to my life,” says Bindra.

“And it has been a privilege to be able to pursue my Olympic dream for over two decades. After my sporting career, it has been a great passion of mine to try to contribute to the Olympic Movement. It has been a privilege and an honour,” he added.

The 41-year-old athlete, who is also vice-president of the IOC’s Athletes’ Commission, said the award will inspire him to work even harder and continue to contribute to the Olympic Movement.

The Olympic Order, instituted in 1975, is the highest distinction of the Olympic Movement. It is awarded to individuals for their distinguished contributions to the Olympic Movement.

Bindra appeared in five editions of the Summer Games, starting in Sydney 2000. He first made his mark in Athens 2004, when he reached the final of the men’s 10m air rifle. In Beijing 2008, he defeated the reigning champion Zhu Qinan of China to win the gold medal. He also reached the final in Rio 2016, but finished fourth.

Since 2018, Bindra has been a member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission.