Olympic silver medallist pistol shooter Vijay Kumar returned home from London yesterday to a rousing welcome by the Indian Army, which was out in full force and left no stone unturned to honour the hero
Much before his flight had touched down, preparations had started at the international airport. And as soon as Kumar walked out with his Russian coach Pavel Smirnov, celebrations broke out.
Senior army officers welcomed Kumar with garlands. The Subedar with the Dogra regiment posed with his silver medal for the shutterbugs.
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Indian shooter Vijay Kumar (right) shows his silver medal to his father Subedar Banku Ram on his arrival in New Delhi yesterday. PIC/AFP
Kumar was then driven away in an open Gypsy to to the army headquarters, where more celebrations were planned. Kumar says he is unhappy with the Indian Army for not being given a single promotion in the last six years despite winning medals at major international events.
Sports minister Ajay Maken has asked the defence ministry to change its promotion rules for outstanding sportspersons. The sports ministry has made provisions for three out of turn promotions for Olympic medallists. But the Army Sports Control Board has informed Maken that Kumar is eligible for only an out-of-turn promotion to subedar major.
Kumar maintains that this was already due before winning the silver at London. “I had done the country proud by winning at major events in 2006, Delhi 2010 (CWG) and London 2012 and was expecting promotion and decorations. As sportspersons we also have expectations,” Kumar said.
“Offers have started to pour in from all quarters and the sports minister has openly said that I can be given a job in SAI at the IAS officer’s level. I am expecting a similar offer from army,” he said.
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