As the Paris Olympic Games 2024 concludes, the Indian contingent returns with a low number of 6 medals, after winning seven in the Tokyo Games three years ago. Contrary to the last edition of the Olympic Games, India didn’t have a single gold medal this time. Though Vinesh Phogat stood a chance at getting one, having qualified for the women’s freestyle wrestling 50kg final, but her disqualification robbed the nation of that opportunity. When Abhinav Bindra, India’s shooting legend, was asked about the country’s lack of success, he gave an honest response.

“I don’t have an answer, really. If I knew, I would put it out so that we could win more gold medals. When you put all your eggs in one basket, your self-worth is almost dependent on where your name will appear on the ranking list of a sports competition. I sometimes wonder how many of our athletes are in that bracket (where) everything is dependent on this. I have a suspicion that it’s a high number,” Bindra told Indian Express.

There are many who wonder if money spent is directly proportional to success in the Olympic Games. Bindra, however, feels hunger plays a bigger role.

“I think hunger is intrinsic in nature. As a nation, we also need to understand that money is only going to be an enabler. Money is not going to get you medals. It is blood, sweat, and tears, hard work, and resilience shown on the field of play, which will get you there. And hunger is a very important aspect of it. Resources being allocated is only a simple enabler, and you need it. I mean, how else do you do it? You need money for training, to compete, travel, and for the larger performance support. But that doesn’t mean that it’s a vending machine. You can spend more, you can spend less. It’s not going to guarantee you success,” he said.

Bindra was also asked about the criticism of athletes from badminton coach Prakash Padukone over an exemplary number of 4th-place finishes in the Paris Games. The former India shooter said that he isn’t completely in disagreement but accountability has to be collective.

“Accountability has to be collective, and an athlete is very much part of it. So I don’t completely disagree with what Mr. Padukone said. I understand where he’s coming from, but that doesn’t mean that you have to stop spending on athletes. It’s just you have to make sure how that money is spent. Yes, you cannot always wrap your athletes in cotton wool,” Bindra on Padukone’s criticism.

India’s first individual Olympic Gold medalist Abhinav Bindra was awarded the prestigious Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the 142nd IOC Session in Paris. The Olympic Order is the highest honour bestowed by the IOC, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Olympic Movement. Reflecting on this honour, Bindra stated, “This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the spirit of perseverance and dedication that sports instil in us all. I am deeply honoured to be recognized by the IOC, and I dedicate this to all the athletes and sports enthusiasts who strive to uphold the Olympic ideals.”

Bindra’s journey to this remarkable achievement is marked by numerous accolades and contributions both on and off the field. As an athlete, he became the first Indian to win an individual Olympic Gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games in the Men’s 10m Air rifle event, and he holds the distinction of being the first Indian to win a World Championship Gold in Air Rifle Shooting.

Over his two-decade-long career, Bindra won over 150 individual medals, earning recognition as one of India’s greatest sports icons. His exceptional service to the sport was further acknowledged when he was awarded the Blue Cross in 2018, the highest honour by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).

In addition to his achievements in sports, Bindra has made significant contributions to sports governance. He chaired the ISSF Athletes Committee for eight years and currently serves as a member of the IOC Athlete Commission and Education Commission. These roles allow him to influence the development of global sports policies and advocate for athletes worldwide.

Post-retirement, Bindra founded the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting grassroots athletes in India through cutting-edge sports science technology. Through initiatives focused on high-performance training, education, and social upliftment, ABFT aims to bring global best practices to the Indian sporting landscape, ensuring a lasting impact on the country’s future athletes.

A key initiative under Bindra’s leadership is the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), which is being implemented in partnership with the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage (OFCH) and state governments in Odisha and Assam.

Launched in Odisha in 2022 and Assam in 2023, OVEP aims to instil the core Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect in over 11,000 schools, impacting more than 1 million schoolchildren. By fostering a culture of sports and holistic development, OVEP is positioning India as a leader in values-based education, with a goal of reaching 13 million schoolchildren by 2025.

Additionally, Bindra’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is reflected in the Odisha Ridley Forest Project, an initiative aimed at preserving the natural habitat of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles along the Odisha coastline.

This recognition highlights Bindra’s enduring legacy in the world of sports and his continued efforts to promote the values of Olympism globally.