Vijay promoted, Olympics medallists felicitated

Olympic silver medallist Vijay Kumar got the much-awaited promotion and became a Subedar Major on Thursday.

On a day of felicitations, the soft-spoken shooter also collected three cheques totalling Rs. 85 lakh.

Vijay, who chose to express his displeasure over the delay in getting the promotion soon after the medal ceremony in London earlier this month, clarified here on Thursday that he had been misquoted by the media.

“I never said I would leave the Army if I was not promoted. I understand that the Army has a policy. All I said was that my promotion was due for six months,” he said.

Vijay also said that the Army had assured him of a commissioned rank in the next six months.

At a function, the Army chief Gen. Bikram Singh honoured Vijay with a promotion besides a cheque for Rs. 30 lakh.

Later, Vijay was joined by Sushil Kumar, Gagan Narang, Saina Nehwal, Yogeshwar Dutt and Mary Kom at Vigyan Bhawan where the Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma honoured the Olympic medallists.

Cheques for Rs. 25 lakh each were presented to Vijay and Sushil while the others received Rs. 20 lakh each.

SAIL support

Sushil and Yogeshwar have been receiving financial support from the Steel Authority of India Limited for the past four years.

Later, the medallists also received cash awards from Sports Minister Ajay Maken.

The Indian Olympic Association has planned an “official” felicitation for the Olympic contingent on Friday.