Paris Olympics 2024: Abhinav Bindra Feels ‘Honoured’ To Carry Torch Ahead Of Opening Ceremony

New Delhi: India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, Abhinav Bindra, carried the Olympic torch through the streets of Paris on Wednesday as part of the Paris 2024 Olympics torch relay. The retired rifle shooting champion shared this memorable moment with the world through a heartfelt social media post. A video posted by the Indian account for the Paris 2024 Olympics captures Bindra proudly carrying the iconic torch during the event.

“Carrying the Olympic flame yesterday in the Paris 2024 Torch Relay was an honor beyond words. The spirit of the Games lives in each of us, and I am humbled to be part of this incredible journey. Let’s continue to inspire, dream, and achieve together! #Paris2024,” Bindra wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Carrying the Olympic flame yesterday in the Paris 2024 Torch Relay was an honor beyond words. The spirit of the Games lives in each of us, and I am humbled to be part of this incredible journey. Let’s continue to inspire, dream, and achieve together! #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/6f9oEiWu61

— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) July 25, 2024

Earlier, Bindra had announced his role in the torch relay with enthusiasm. “Excited to share that I’ll be a torch bearer for the @paris2024 Olympic Games, a beacon of peace and perseverance across the globe. This flame represents our collective spirit and the power of dreams. A great privilege and honour!” he posted on X.

Bindra’s participation in the torch relay follows his recent receipt of the prestigious Olympic Order from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), awarded on Monday in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the Olympic Movement. He will be officially honored with the Olympic Order during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris on August 10, just one day before the Paris Olympics concludes.

The Olympic Order is the IOC’s highest accolade, bestowed upon individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the Olympic Movement through exceptional achievements in sports. In a letter dated July 20, addressed to Bindra, the IOC Executive Board expressed their pleasure in awarding him this honor. “It is with great pleasure that I inform you that the IOC Executive Board has decided to award you with the Olympic Order for your outstanding services to the Olympic Movement,” the letter read.

Abhinav Bindra made history by winning the gold medal in the men’s 10-metre air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Games, becoming India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist. In addition to his competitive success, Bindra has played a key role in sports governance and athlete representation. He served as Chair of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) from 2014 and was a member from 2010 to 2020. Since 2018, he has also been a member of the IOC Athlete Commission.