Abhinav Bindra Receives Olympic Order Award: First Indian Honoree in 41 Years
Indian Shooting Legend Abhinav Bindra to Receive Olympic Order Award
Indian shooting legend Abhinav Bindra is set to receive the Olympic Order Award. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will honor him with this award at a ceremony in Paris on August 10. Bindra will be the second Indian to receive this prestigious award, following former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Announcement by IOC President
IOC President Thomas Bach informed Abhinav Bindra about this recognition through a letter. The letter stated, “The IOC Executive Board has decided to honor you with the Olympic Order for your commendable service to the Olympic movement.”
Bach also extended an invitation to Bindra for the award ceremony. India’s Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya expressed his happiness over Bindra receiving this award.
What is the Olympic Order Award?
The Olympic Order is the highest award presented by the IOC for outstanding contributions to the Olympic movement. Established in 1975, the award was initially given in three categories: gold, silver, and bronze. However, in 1984, the silver and bronze categories were abolished, and it was decided that the award would be given in the gold category to heads of states and individuals making special contributions. The IOC also presents this award to the head of state of the country hosting the Olympics.
So far, 116 celebrities have received the Gold Olympic Order, with only one Indian among them. Abhinav Bindra is being honored for his support of the Olympic movement. He has been promoting Indian sports through the Abhinav Bindra Foundation.
Indira Gandhi Received the Award in 1983
Before Abhinav Bindra, former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi received this award. She was honored at a ceremony in Mumbai in 1983.
India’s First Olympic Gold Medalist
Abhinav Bindra won the gold medal for India in rifle shooting in 2008. He is the first Indian athlete to win an individual gold medal at the Olympic Games. Following Bindra, Neeraj Chopra won an individual gold in the javelin throw event in 2021.
