 "Shooting legend Abhinav Bindra receives Olympic Order in Paris – Firstpost")
Bindra was given the honour for his “outstanding contribution” to the Olympic movement during the IOC session being held in the French capital on the sidelines of the ongoing Summer Olympic Games, which conclude on Sunday.
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Legendary Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra received the prestigious Olympic Order on Saturday during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris.
Bindra was given the honour for his “outstanding contribution” to the Olympic movement during the IOC session being held in the French capital on the sidelines of the ongoing Summer Olympic Games, which conclude on Sunday.
The 41-year-old won India’s first individual Olympic gold medal in the men’s 10-metre air rifle event in Beijing in 2008 and remained the only Indian to achieve the feat until Neeraj Chopra won the men’s javelin throw 13 years later in Tokyo.
“When I was a little boy, it was those Olympic rings that gave my life meaning,” Bindra said.
“And it has been a privilege to be able to pursue my Olympic dream for over two decades. After my sporting career, it was a great passion of mine to give something back to the Olympic movement. It has been a privilege and an honour,” he added.
India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, Vice-Chairman of the IOC Athletes’ Commission @Abhinav_Bindra was awarded the prestigious Olympic Order in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Olympic Movement. pic.twitter.com/j0hbtCqAPy
— IOCMEDIA (@iocmedia) 10 August 2024
The 41-year-old, who is also vice-chairman of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, said the award would encourage him to continue working harder and contributing to the Olympic Movement.
Established in 1975, the Olympic Order is the highest honour of the Olympic Movement. It is awarded to individuals for their outstanding contribution to the Olympic Movement.
Bindra competed in the Summer Olympics five times, starting in Sydney 2000. He first came to attention in Athens 2004 when he made it to the final of the men’s 10m air rifle shooting.
In Beijing 2008, he defeated defending champion Zhu Qinan from China to win the gold medal. He also made it to the final in Rio 2016, but finished fourth.
Bindra has been part of the IOC Athletes’ Commission since 2018.
With contributions from PTI
