Pistol ace Vijay Kumar, who earned India a silver medal in the rapid fire pistol event at the London Olympics, says he will be participating in three to four events in the next Games in 2016.
Speaking at a media conference here on Monday, Vijay Kumar said his experience from the London Games will help him plan for the next Games in four years time.
“Sportsman always wants to participate in events regardless of the results. I too am inclined to take part in three to four events at the next Games,’’ he said.
Apart from the silver medal which he won in the 25m rapid fire pistol, the army subedar major had taken part in the 10m air pistol where he did not get a favourable result.
The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award winner stressed that many factors need to be taken into account before one could achieve such a result at the Olympics.
“Olympics are huge. Many world and Olympic champions participate. Hard work, dedication and so many other factors will have to be in your favour. And the most important one is the desire to win,’’ he said.
He praised the role of Olympic Gold Quest and the support he received from the Government, army and the National Rifle Association of India for his success.
“I could not have achieved the medal without the support of all the stakeholders. I am thankful to each one of them,’’ he said.
He said he never contemplated leaving the army as reported in a section of the press. “There is no question of leaving the army which gave me all the facilities to excel in the sport. I shall complete my tenure and still be involved with the sport,’’ he said.
State Sports Minister Madan Mitra handed him a cheque of Rs. 1 lakh and a gold coin.
