Indian shooting legend Abhinav Bindra was honored with the prestigious Olympic Order by the International Olympic Council (IOC) during its 142nd session in Paris on Saturday. The Olympic Order, instituted in 1975, is the highest accolade awarded by the IOC, recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the Olympic Movement.
Reflecting on the award, Bindra, who is a five-time Olympian, expressed his deep connection to the Olympics. “As a young boy, the Olympic rings provided a guiding purpose in my life,” said Bindra. “It was a privilege to chase my Olympic dream for over two decades.
“Now, after my athletic career, I have found immense passion in contributing back to the Olympic Movement. This award strengthens that passion, and I hope to continue my efforts to support the Olympic values for the rest of my life.”
Bindra’s illustrious career is a testament to his dedication and excellence in sports. He made history by becoming the first Indian to win an individual Olympic gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Games, where he triumphed in the men’s 10m air rifle event. Bindra’s accomplishments extend beyond the Olympics; he was the first Indian to secure a World Championship gold in air rifle shooting.
Throughout his 20-year career, Bindra earned over 150 individual medals, establishing himself as one of India’s most iconic athletes. His contributions to sport were further recognized in 2018 when he received the Blue Cross, the highest honor from the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).
Bindra’s impact extends beyond his athletic achievements. He has played a significant role in sports governance, serving as the chair of the ISSF Athletes Committee for eight years. He continues to influence global sports policy as a member of both the IOC Athlete Commission and Education Commission, where he advocates for athletes worldwide.
Following his retirement, Bindra established the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT), a nonprofit organization committed to advancing grassroots sports in India. The foundation utilizes cutting-edge sports science technology to support athletes in their pursuit of excellence. ABFT’s initiatives focus on high-performance training, education, and social upliftment, aiming to integrate global best practices into Indian sports.
One of Bindra’s significant contributions is the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), developed in collaboration with the IOC’s Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage (OFCH) and state governments in Odisha and Assam. Launched in Odisha in 2022 and Assam in 2023, OVEP seeks to instill the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect in over 11,000 schools, reaching more than a million students. By 2025, the program aims to impact 13 million schoolchildren, positioning India as a leader in values-based education.
Bindra’s dedication to environmental sustainability is evident through the Odisha Ridley Forest Project. This initiative, supported by ABFT in partnership with local government agencies, focuses on the conservation of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles along Odisha’s coastline. The project not only aims to preserve this species but also promotes environmental education and awareness within local communities.
Bindra’s election as the Second Vice-Chair of the IOC Athletes Commission on Friday further highlights his leadership in global sports. Since joining the Commission in 2018, he has been instrumental in shaping policies that benefit athletes worldwide.
