On Monday, 22 July, legendary shooter Abhinav Bindra was awarded the Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This prestigious recognition was given for his exceptional contributions to the Olympic Movement. The Sports Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, expressed his joy and pride through a tweet celebrating Bindra’s achievement.
Bindra’s Achievements
Abhinav Bindra, the first Indian to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics, is celebrated for his significant impact on Indian sports. At 41, Bindra continues to support athletes through his foundation, the Abhinav Bindra Foundation, which aims to improve the future of Indian athletes.
Olympic Order Details
The Olympic Order is the highest honor given by the IOC for exceptional contributions to the Olympic Movement. Established in 1975, it replaced the Olympic Diploma of Merit. It is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to sports or the Olympic Movement.
Grades of the Olympic Order
- Gold: Reserved for heads of state and exceptional circumstances.
- Silver and Bronze: Other levels of the award.
The insignia includes a collar or chain with the five Olympic rings and the kotinos emblem, an olive wreath. Recipients also receive a lapel badge corresponding to their grade.
Notable Recipients
The Olympic Order has been awarded to numerous distinguished individuals, including athletes like Nadia Comaneci (twice) and Carlos Arthur Nuzman, as well as global leaders such as Indira Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
Abhinav Bindra’s Contributions
- Early Life: Born on September 28, 1982, in Dehradun, India, Bindra began rifle shooting in his mid-teens.
- Olympic Success: Won the gold medal in the men’s 10-meter air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- Other Achievements: Multiple medals at Commonwealth Games and Asian Games; gold at the 2006 ISSF World Championships.
Foundation and Initiatives
Bindra founded the Abhinav Bindra Foundation to integrate sports, science, and technology, providing advanced training to athletes. He has also contributed to policy-making and athlete development through roles in the ISSF Athlete Committee and the IOC Athlete Commission.
Summary
Abhinav Bindra’s contributions to sports extend beyond his Olympic success, influencing the development of Indian sports and athlete support through his foundation and various roles in sports policy.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When was Abhinav Bindra awarded the Olympic Order?
a) 15 July
b) 22 July
c) 28 July
d) 1 August
Answer: b) 22 July - What is the Olympic Order?
a) A medal for Olympic participation
b) The highest award given by the IOC for contributions to the Olympic Movement
c) An award for the best Olympic team
d) A certificate for Olympic training
Answer: b) The highest award given by the IOC for contributions to the Olympic Movement - What are the three grades of the Olympic Order?
a) Gold, Silver, and Platinum
b) Gold, Silver, and Bronze
c) Gold, Bronze, and Copper
d) Silver, Gold, and Ruby
Answer: b) Gold, Silver, and Bronze - What significant achievement did Abhinav Bindra accomplish at the 2008 Beijing Olympics?
a) Silver medal in men’s 10-meter air rifle
b) Bronze medal in men’s 10-meter air rifle
c) Gold medal in men’s 10-meter air rifle
d) Gold medal in men’s 50-meter rifle
Answer: c) Gold medal in men’s 10-meter air rifle - What is the main focus of the Abhinav Bindra Foundation?
a) Financial aid for athletes
b) Integration of sports, science, and technology for high-performance training
c) Sports event organization
d) Media coverage of sports
Answer: b) Integration of sports, science, and technology for high-performance training