New Delhi: Olympic gold medalist and former shooting ace Abhinav Bindra has been appointed as one of nine International Olympic Committee (IOC) Mental Health Ambassadors, the IOC announced on Friday.
Bindra, who made history by winning gold in the men’s 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has long championed mental health support for athletes. A member of the IOC Mental Health Working Group since its inception, he has consistently called for robust, accessible systems to help athletes thrive both on and off the field.
The IOC stressed that mental health is as vital as physical health, with ambassadors like Bindra working to break stigma, foster open dialogue, and promote well-being in sport and beyond. Drawing on personal experiences, he advocates proactive measures, education, and resources to support athletes at all stages of their careers.
The ambassadors will connect with athletes through social media, one-on-one interactions, and IOC educational initiatives—offering guidance, inspiration, and trusted advice.
Alongside Bindra, the ambassador team includes British pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw, Hong Kong swimmer Camille Cheng, Brazilian swimmer Bruno Fratus, American figure skater Gracie Gold, Ivorian sprinter Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith, Papua New Guinea swimming icon Ryan Pini, South African sprinter Akani Simbine, and Afghan cyclist Masomah Ali Zada.
According to the IOC, each ambassador brings unique expertise—from academic insight to resilience advocacy—while Bindra contributes “deep experience to the mission of making sport a healthier space for all.”
