S.Kannan in Paris
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Saturday bestowed the prestigious Olympic Order on Abhinav Bindra in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Olympic movement. The 2008 Beijing Olympics 10m air-rifle gold medallist is the Vice Chair of the Athletes Commission and has made a phenomenal impact as an athlete, mentor and also in a movement which is very important in global sports.
“From a young age, it is the Olympic rings which gave meaning to my life. And it was a privilege to be able to pursue my Olympic dream for over two decades. Post my athletic career, it has been a great passion of mine to try and contribute back to the Olympic movement,” said an emotional Bindra at the function. He promised to give back even more and continue in the same vein.
Everyone knows how much Bindra has enjoyed working with the IOC over the last few years. For an Indian to get this order is massive respect from an institution which is revered. Back home, Bindra is involved in multiple roles as well. He is involved with various projects, including the OEVP (Olympic Education Value Programme). Over the last seven months, Bindra has also been mentoring the Indian shooters who were preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
As India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, post retirement after the 2016 Rio Olympics, Bindra has focused on what he can give back to the sport. What he has done resonates in India and abroad, resulting in a big recognition from the world’s biggest sporting body. To be part of the Athletes Commission till 2026 is also a big thing for him.
For those who have followed Bindra over the decades, his presence in the Paris Olympics has been seen prominently. The way he has goaded the athletes is an inspiration. And even in the case pertaining to Vinesh Phogat, where the wrestler was overweight by a 100gm and could not compete in the 50kg freestyle wrestling final, Bindra came out with a message, three days ago. His post on social media echoed the sentiments of several Indians wherein Bindra said not having an Olympic medal does not make Vinesh a lesser champion.