Abhinav Bindra to be the torchbearer at Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
India’s Olympic Hero to be Honoured Once Again
Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, has been chosen as one of the official torchbearers for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The former shooter, who engraved his name in history with his iconic 10-metre air rifle gold at Beijing 2008, will once again represent India on the global Olympic stage, but this time not as a participant but as a symbol of unity, hope, pride and excellence.
Bindra shared his gratitude on social media. He also expressed how carrying the Olympic flame feels deeply personal,
“Truly humbled to be chosen as a torchbearer for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Torch Relay. 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. To carry it once again is both an honour and a beautiful reminder of what sport makes possible. Thank you, @milanocortina2026, for this incredible honour.”
This moment reflects how his journey, from being a young shooter in Chandigarh to becoming a global sports ambassador, continues to inspire generations.
The Olympic Torch Relay is one of the most celebrated rituals of the Games. The flame, lit in Olympia, Greece, represents purity, peace, and continuity.
For Milano-Cortina 2026, the relay will begin in December 2025 and travel through over 100 provinces across Italy, culminating in the opening ceremony in February 2026.
Bindra will join thousands of athletes, community leaders, and volunteers in carrying the flame that symbolises the shared Olympic values that transcend through sport and nationality.
Since his retirement, Bindra has devoted his time to athlete development, sports science, and mental health awareness through the Abhinav Bindra Foundation. His continued involvement in global sporting events, including this torch-bearing honour, showcases his enduring influence as both an athlete and a reformer in Indian sport.
Scheduled from 6 to 22 February 2026, the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics will mark Italy’s fourth time hosting the Winter Games. The event will feature over 100 medal events across 16 disciplines, highlighting sustainability and innovation.
Bindra’s presence in the torch relay adds a powerful Indian connection to an event that celebrates international unity through competition and culture.
As the Olympic flame travels through snow-covered Italian towns on its way to Milan, one of its carriers will be a man whose steady aim once brought pride to an entire nation, and whose light continues to inspire athletes everywhere.
