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Photo Courtsey - Abhinav Bindra - X  

Xtra Time Web Desk:  Abhinav Bindra, India’s pioneering individual Olympic gold medalist, illuminated the Paris 2024 Olympics torch relay on Wednesday, proudly parading the iconic flame through the vibrant streets of the French capital. His participation comes as a poignant acknowledgment following his recent receipt of the prestigious Olympic Order from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

In an evocative social media post, Bindra shared his elation: “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.” This heartfelt message was accompanied by a stirring video on the Indian account for the Paris 2024 Olympics, capturing Bindra’s ceremonial run with the torch.

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Earlier, Bindra had expressed his enthusiasm about the role on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “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!”

This illustrious moment follows Bindra's recent honor of receiving the Olympic Order, the IOC's highest accolade, awarded in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the Olympic Movement. Bindra will be formally presented with this distinguished award during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris on August 10, just a day before the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

The Olympic Order celebrates individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the Olympic Movement through outstanding achievements in sports. In a letter dated July 20, the IOC Executive Board conveyed their pleasure in bestowing this honor upon Bindra: “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.”

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Bindra etched his name in Olympic history with a gold medal in the men’s 10-metre air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Games, becoming India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist. Beyond his competitive success, Bindra has significantly impacted the sport’s 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. Additionally, he has been a member of the IOC Athlete Commission since 2018.

Bindra’s participation in the Paris 2024 torch relay and his receipt of the Olympic Order reflect a career marked by exceptional achievements and ongoing contributions to the Olympic spirit.