Gagan Narang, who clinched a bronze in the 10m air rifle event at the 2012 London Olympics, was conferred the fourth Manav Rachna Kirti Puraskar by the Manav Rachna International University on Thursday.
"The jury had a unanimous decision in selecting Gagan's (Narang) name. He has been a role model for the students with whom he has spent time to teach them the precision required for the sport," university chancellor Dr OP Bhalla said.
The award included a cash award of Rs. 11 lakh, a memento and a trophy.
The ace marksman, who is also pursuing his management degree at the university, expressed his gratitude towards the support he has received from the university and people of the country.
He said that support from parents, schools, teachers and the associations could help India produce many more champions in the future.
"The initiative (to produce champions) has to start from schools and a sport culture has to be imbibed," said Narang.
"If the system supports, then the road becomes a lot easier and as a player one can then pursue their targets without bothering about anything," he added.
Narang said he wants his medal to travel across the country and to be taken to all schools and colleges.
"I want people and specially youngsters to hold the medal and see how it feels like," the shooter said.
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