Dhumal gives Olympian Vijay Kumar 'Himachal Gaurav' award

Himachal Chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal honoured Vijay Kumar, winner of Olympic silver medal in 25 metre rapid fire pistol event, at a state-level Independence Day function in Kullu. Kumar was conferred with 'Himachal Gaurav Samman' along with a cheque for Rs one crore and a 200-square metre plot in Baddi.

Himachal Chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal honoured Vijay Kumar, winner of Olympic silver medal in 25 metre rapid fire pistol event, at a state-level Independence Day function at Kullu on Wednesday.

Kumar was conferred with the 'Himachal Gaurav Samman' along with a cheque for Rs one crore and a 200 square metre plot in Baddi.

In an informal chat with HT, Kumar reiterated that to participate in the Olympics is a different feeling but to win a medal is an altogether different one.

"Every player wants to win a gold medal in the Olympic games but there is little difference between a gold, silver or a bronze medal. When I won the medal at London, it was a reward for my hard work but as soon as I landed at the Delhi airport and saw the crowds who had come to welcome me, it was only then that I realised that I have done something extraordinary," he said.

Kumar believes that India's presence at the games has improved over the last 2-3 Olympic games; the number of medals won by India is increasing and the sportspersons are keen to prove themselves in each game.

Kumar thanked the Himachal government who honoured him on the occasion of Independence Day. He also appreciated chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, who assured the Olympian that a shooting range would be set up in Himachal Pradesh.