London: India’s shooting sensation Vijay Kumar, who clinched a silver medal in the Olympics, said on Monday that the low-profile build-up to the Games turned out to be a “blessing in disguise” as it helped him to focus more on his game.
“I am a human being. I will be telling you a lie if I say it (not getting the media coverage) did not matter but now I realise that this was a blessing in disguise because I was able to concentrate more on my event and the result is there for all to see,” said Vijay.
“It is not my job to go talking or bragging about my achievements. I am an army man not a PR guy,” he said.
Vijay provided the silver lining for India in London last week, clinching the second place in the 25m Rapid Fire pistol event.
Vijay said he was taken aback when people, including the media, expressed surprise about his podium.
“I have been getting phone calls from India. They say I turned out to be a dark horse. They want to know more about me. Sometimes I do feel bit bad about it, but then, I have learnt to take these things in my stride,” he said.
Vijay is a national champion since 2004 and also won gold medals at the 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games as well as the Doha Asiad and a silver at the World Championships.
“If my medal winning-performance [in London] has surprised people, I can’t help it,” said the 27-year-old marksman.
While describing himself as an army man, Vijay, however, also expressed dissatisfaction with the way he has been treated in the forces.
“Since 2006 I won many national and international medals…but I have not been recommended by my seniors. I have not given any promotion or honorary award or any other kind of facility,” the subedar with 16 Dogra Regiment said.
“Indian army helped me in shooting by giving me coaching facilities and providing me with pistol and ammunition but I need money for my daily needs,” Vijay added.
He also criticised the Himachal government, which announced a 1 crore reward for him, for not giving him any awards for his previous feats. (PTI)