Abhinav Bindra, the renowned Indian shooter and the first individual Olympic gold medalist from India, has been awarded the prestigious Olympic Order. This honor, bestowed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during its 142nd session in Paris, recognizes Bindra’s extraordinary contributions to the Olympic Movement. The Olympic Order, established in 1975, is the highest award of the Olympic Movement and is reserved for individuals who have significantly contributed to the ideals of Olympism.
Bindra’s journey to this honor is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. Born in 1982, Bindra first made waves on the global stage at the Athens 2004 Olympics, where he narrowly missed a podium finish in the men’s 10m air rifle event. His defining moment came four years later at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, where he clinched India’s first-ever individual gold medal. His victory was not just a personal achievement but a watershed moment in India’s Olympic history, inspiring a generation of athletes.
Reflecting on the honor, Bindra remarked, “When I was a young boy, it was these Olympic rings that gave meaning to my life. And it was a privilege to be able to pursue my Olympic dream for over two decades.” He further expressed his commitment to the Olympic Movement, stating that the award would inspire him to continue contributing to sports and athlete development worldwide.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Bindra’s contributions to sports governance have been equally remarkable. He served as the Chair of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Athletes Committee for eight years and currently holds a position on the IOC Athlete Commission and Education Commission. In these roles, Bindra has been instrumental in shaping global sports policies and advocating for athlete welfare, ensuring that his impact extends far beyond the shooting range.
Post-retirement, Bindra’s dedication to sports continued through the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT), which he founded to support grassroots athletes in India. The foundation leverages cutting-edge sports science and technology to provide high-performance training, education, and social upliftment. One of its flagship initiatives is the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), which aims to instill the core Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect in millions of schoolchildren across India. Bindra’s efforts have not only strengthened the sporting fabric of India but have also positioned the country as a leader in values-based education.
Bindra’s influence extends to environmental stewardship as well. Under his leadership, the ABFT supports the Odisha Ridley Forest Project, an initiative focused on the conservation of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles along the Odisha coastline. This project, in collaboration with local government agencies, aims to preserve India’s natural heritage while promoting environmental education and awareness.
In addition to receiving the Olympic Order, Bindra was also elected as the Second Vice-Chair of the IOC Athletes Commission. This new role reflects his growing influence in the global sporting community and his continued commitment to the principles of Olympism. His legacy, marked by an unwavering dedication to sports, education, and sustainability, will undoubtedly inspire future generations.
Coach Jaspal Rana, a former shooting champion himself, praised Bindra's achievement, saying, “Abhinav has always been a pioneer, both on and off the field. His contributions to Indian sports and the global Olympic Movement are unparalleled. This award is a fitting recognition of his lifelong dedication.”
Bindra’s recognition with the Olympic Order cements his status as one of India’s greatest sports icons and a global ambassador for the Olympic values. As he continues to push boundaries, his work will likely shape the future of sports for years to come.
