2016 Rio Olympics: Abhinav Bindra to lead Indian contingent as flagbearer

New Delhi: Ace shooter Abhinav Bindra will lead the Indian contingent as the flagbearer at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, this August.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed that they have chosen chosen Bindar as the flagbearer for the quadrennial extravaganza.

"To be the flag bearer at the Olympic Games is an athletes ultimate honor.I am humbled & grateful to be considered worthy of this great honor," Bindra said.

The Beijing Games gold medallist in 10m air rifle is one of the most respected sportspersons in India.

"I am sure the Indian Olympic Team would have the support of over a billion people as we march into the Rio Olympic Stadium," he added.

Leading by example, India's lone Olympic individual gold medallist has sent each Indian athlete who had qualified for Rio Games, a letter asking them to share their thoughts on what the Games means to them and assuring them that he'd be available for any chats or queries.

Bindra will be making his fifth Olympic appearance this year. He will be competing in the men's 10-metre air rifle event on August 8.

India are sending their largest ever delegation in the history of Olympics this summer. As of June 10, as many as 96 athletes — 13 larger than their previous record of 83 delegates in 2012 — have qualified for the sporting carnival.

Earlier this year, Bindra was honoured by the International Shooting Sports Federation after acknowledging the shooter's outstanding career as an athlete and being a role model in the sport.

He received the Diploma of Honour and President's Button which is considered as the highest honour in the sport.

Bindra, who shot to fame after clinching the gold medal in 10m air rifle in 2008 Olympics, has also won 7 Commonwealth and 3 Asian Games medals.

He is also the chairman of ISSF's Athletes Committee.