Indian shooting legend Abhinav Bindra has been named one of the official torchbearers for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, to be held in Italy from February 6 to 22, 2026. Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, secured the accolade following his iconic win in the 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The honour celebrates not only his historic achievement but also his sustained contributions to sports and athlete welfare. This honour comes with the torch relay spanning 12,000 km across Italy with over 10,000 participants, symbolising unity and the Olympic spirit.
Authorities including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) have lauded his role as a symbol of sportsmanship and national pride.
Lighting the Flame of Inspiration
Abhinav Bindra’s recognition as a torchbearer is a testament to his profound legacy in not just Indian but global sports. Announcing the honour, Bindra called the Olympic flame “a symbol of dreams, perseverance, and unity,” expressing gratitude for this opportunity to contribute to the Games in a new capacity.
The Milano Cortina Organising Committee highlighted that torchbearers are selected for their embodiment of Olympic values, and Bindra’s story of discipline and triumph makes him an ideal representative.
The Winter Olympics will feature 116 medal events across 16 disciplines, with this relay celebrating peace, friendship, and cultural diversity—principles Bindra embodies.
A Trailblazer’s Journey: From Gold Medallist to Global Advocate
Born in Dehradun in 1982, Bindra’s path to historic glory began early with his debut at the 1998 Commonwealth Games as a teenager. His meticulous dedication culminated in the 2008 Olympic gold in the men’s 10m air rifle, where he set a new Olympic record during qualifiers and became the first Indian to win an individual Olympic gold.
He also clinched the World Championship title in 2006, along with multiple Commonwealth and Asian Games medals, totaling over 150 career medals. Beyond his sporting triumphs, Bindra has played an influential role in sports governance, serving on the IOC Athletes’ and Education Commissions, and is a key figure advocating for athlete welfare globally.
Since retiring in 2016, he has focused on initiatives to integrate sports science and technology in India through the Abhinav Bindra Foundation, aiming to uplift grassroots athletes with modern training and educational programs.
Olympic Torch Relay: A Symbol of Unity and Tradition
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic torch relay will begin with the traditional lighting of the flame at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece-where the Olympic tradition originated-and continue on a 63-day journey across Italy. Bindra’s inclusion marks his second time as a torchbearer, reaffirming his lasting connection to the Olympic movement.
The relay stretches 12,000 kilometers, involving more than 10,000 torchbearers chosen for their inspirational stories and contributions to sport and society. This event not only heralds the beginning of the Games but serves as a celebration of shared human values that transcend borders and bring together diverse cultures through the power of sport.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Bindra’s recognition as a torchbearer perfectly illustrates how sportsmanship transcends winning medals. His journey underscores values of perseverance, humility, and social commitment, enriching the Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship, and respect.
The Logical Indian believes that such honours inspire not only athletes but all citizens to approach challenges with kindness, empathy, and dedication, fostering social harmony. Bindra’s ongoing role encourages nurturing future generations who see sports as a vehicle for positive change and community building.
