India's veteran shooter Abhinav Bindra has been awarded the prestigious Olympic Order for his outstanding contribution to the Olympic movement. Abhinav became the first individual Olympic medalist for India by topping the 10m air rifle event at the Beijing Olympic Games.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) conferred this honour on Bindra during its 142nd session on Saturday. Bindra said that when I was young, the Olympic rings gave meaning to my life and I am fortunate to have been able to fulfill my Olympic dream for more than two decades. It was a passion for me to try to contribute to the Olympic movement after my career as an athlete. And it is a privilege and honour for me to receive this award.
41-year-old Bindra, vice-president of the IOC Athletes' Commission, said that this award will inspire me to work hard and contribute more to the Olympic movement. The Olympic Order, established in 1975, is the highest award of the Olympic movement. It is awarded for special contribution to the Olympic movement. Bindra has participated in five Olympic Games since Sydney 2000. He made it to the 10m air rifle final at the 2005 Athens Olympics. He won gold at the Beijing Olympics. Bindra has been a member of the IOC Athletes' Commission since 2018.