Olympic silver medallist Vijay Kumar given rousing welcome in Delhi

New Delhi, Aug.8 (ANI): India's sole silver medallist at the London Olympics, shooter Vijay Kumar, received a rousing reception on his arrival in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Kumar won India's first silver medal at the London Olympics on August 3, after finishing second at the men's 25m rapid-fire pistol with 30 out of 40 shots behind Cuba's Leuris Pupo.

The army serviceman threw both hands in the air and pumped his fists, as he mounted the podium to collect India's second shooting medal of the Games.

The result, a surprise one-two made a mockery of the world rankings.

Feng Ding of China was third on 27 before being eliminated after 35 shots.

Kumar was thrilled to receive such a warm reception, and added, that it took him an Olympic medal to get acknowledgment in his own country.

"Of course, I did well in this competition, but earlier also, I did very well, but I was not recognised. I was not focussed on that, I was focussing on my technique and shooting. So, I did well and now everyone has come to know. I am really happy, I had never expected such a huge crowd at the airport, so, I am very happy," he said.

In the nerve-wracking final, Kumar overcame the challenge of World Champion Alexei Klimov of Russia, Chinese duo of Ding Feng and Zhang Jian and German shooter Christian Reitz.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhuma hailed Kumar's achievement and announced a Rs.1 crore cash award for him.

According to media reports, Kumar, who is a Junior Commissioned officer in the Indian Army, has threatened to quit the services, if he is not given a promotion.

Vijay had said on Tuesday that he would quit the Army, as he has not been given a single promotion in the last six years, despite good performances at national and international meets.

Ace shooter Gagan Narang won India's first medal in London Olympics winning bronze in men's 10m air rifle on July 30.

The stakes have risen for shooting in cricket-obsessed India since Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore won the double trap silver at the 2004 Athens Olympics and Abhinav Bindra winning gold in men's 10m air rifle at the 2008 Beijing Games. (ANI)