Olympic silver medallist Vijay Kumar gets a hero's welcome at home

Hamirpur, Aug 11 (ANI): London Olympics silver medal winning shooter Vijay Kumar was on Saturday received a rousing welcome from his friends, family members and fans at his hometown in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur District.

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.

Vijay Kumar, a junior commissioned officer in the Indian Army, was greeted with a heroes welcome from the moment he stepped out from his car.

Scores of flower and currency garlands occupied their place around his neck and several pieces of sweets were stuffed into his mouth from all his well-wishers.

Talking to reporters, Kumar said: "It's a great feeling to come back to my state, my home with an Olympic medal and receive such a rousing welcome. It's a moment of great joy.

"After taking rest for five days or a week, after enjoying the celebration for maybe 10 days I will resume my training," he added.

He further said that he would be felicitated by the Himachal Pradesh government on August 15.

"The government has announced August 15 as the date for the felicitation ceremony. I had spoken to the chief minister couple of days ago and he confirmed the function for August 15 and he told me that I will be awarded the promised amount and felicitated. And the incentive announced by the state government will also be presented at that event," he added. (ANI)