Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 22: Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra is set to be one of the torchbearers for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy, marking a powerful tribute to his legacy as India’s first individual Olympic gold winner.
The announcement adds another milestone to Bindra’s illustrious career, as he prepares to carry the iconic Olympic flame through part of its journey to the opening ceremony of the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Taking to social media to share his emotions, Bindra said he was "truly humbled" by the honour. "The Olympic flame has always held a special place in my heart — a symbol of dreams, perseverance, and the unity that sport brings to our world," he wrote. He called the opportunity to carry the flame once again “a beautiful reminder of what sport makes possible.”

Bindra shot to fame in 2008 when he clinched the gold medal in the 10m air rifle event at the Beijing Olympics — a moment that became a defining chapter in Indian sports history. Since then, he has remained a prominent voice in the international sporting community, advocating for athlete welfare and the Olympic spirit.
The 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled from February 6 to 22, will be Italy’s fourth time hosting the Winter Games. This edition promises a larger-than-ever programme with 116 medal events across 16 disciplines, surpassing the lineup seen at Beijing 2022.
As always, the Olympic Torch Relay will serve as a unifying lead-up to the Games, with torchbearers like Bindra symbolising not just athletic excellence, but the enduring values of global friendship, resilience, and peace that define the Olympic movement.