Padma Bhushan for Bindra

Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra has been awarded Padma Bhushan for his sterling performance at the 2008 Beijing Games while four other sports personalities, including Mahendra Singh Dhoni, were awarded Padma Shri for their achievements in the world of sports.

Bindra told DNA that he was humbled by the honour. “I understand that this is an  honour not just for me, but for Indian sportspersons whom I represent. By winning the first individual Gold Medal, I had the privilege of graduating Indian sports persons to the global sports arena in a big way.”

He hoped that this honour would inspire more sports persons of India to win more gold medals at the Olympics in future. “I thank the President of India for the honour and all those who helped me attain gold at Olympics,” he added.

The other sports Padma awardees include off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, World Billiards Champion Pankaj Advani and former hockey player Balbir Singh Khullar.

The 26-year-old Abhinav, who won the gold in the men’s 10-meter air rifle event at the Beijing Games, became the first-ever to achieve the feat in 108-year history of India in Olympics. Abhinav, who won the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2002, is among 30 others from all walks of life to win the Padma Bhushan.