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.
{{/usCountry}}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.
{{/usCountry}}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.