KOLKATA, Nov 12: London Olympics silver medal winner Vijay Kumar today said he was indebted to the Indian Army and will continue to serve the force until retirement, focusing on his passion shooting and doing better in Rio Olympics.
Answering questions after being felicitated by the West Bengal government and Calcutta Sports Journalists Club (CSJC) for winning the silver medal in the 25 m rapid fire pistol in London Olympics, the Subedar Major while ruling out any suggestions to quit military said, ‘The Army has helped him to shape what he is today and continue to stick to the force till his retirement in next 4/5 years.’
‘ I do not know how his issue cropped up when I have been given all the facilities in the army to carry on my passion for shooting,’ twenty-seven-year-old Himachali said with deep gratitude to the Indian Army.
Failure in the recent World Cup shooting championship last month in Bangkok after winning medal in London, Vijay said he was happy to come 8th position in only ten days practice.
‘I value most to face the challenge and proud to represent my country as winning medal is secondary to me,’ the lanky shooter said candidly.
He said there was difference in the competitions between the World Cup shooting and Olympics as the first is held in almost every year in different places buy the latter is held once in four year where whole World come to compete.
‘So there is huge degree of difference between the world cup and Olympics,’ adding the shooter said his focus was now for next Olympics to medal for the country.
His teammate in London Olympics Joydeep Karmakar, who was present in the news-conference, lauded the camaraderie of Vijay Kumar saying the Armyman was most disciplined athletics in the Indian camp.
Karmakar said he was touched by the humanity and fellow-feeling of Vijay Kumar as the latter used to bring night meal for him when he was sick for two days without being asked.
‘ I believe Vijay Kumar has the acumen to win more medals and I will not be surprised if India wins more medals in shooting in Brazil Olympics, ‘ Karmarkar, who missed a medal by a whisker in 50m rifle prone in London games.
West Bengal Sports Minister Madan Mitra while greeting the shooter said Vijay Kumar has brought laurel and pride for the countrymen with winning silver medal in London.
The state government also presented cheque of Rs 1 lakh and a piece of gold for accomplishing feat in the Olympics.
Mitra also sought Vijay Kumar suggestions and advises as the government was considering setting up a shooting range in the city in near future.
Mitra said the need for having a shooting range in the city and Vijay Kumar and Jaydeep Karmkar can help the government in this direction.
(UNI)
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