Profile: Vijay Kumar
For Vijay Kumar, success might have come at just the right time. He had a stunning performance to bag the silver medal in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event.
Sport: Shooting
Born: 19 August 1985
Event: 25 m rapid fire pistol
About Vijay Kumar:
For the shooter from Harsaur village of district Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, success has come at just the right time. Considered as India's top pistol shooter, he had a stunning performance to bag the silver medal in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event.
He became India's second medalist in the London Olympics and in fact bettered Gagan Narang's bronze. While it is a phenomenal success for the shooter, he is known for his focus and determination.
He first showcased his talent in the USA World Cup in Fort Benning. A Silver medal in the 25m Rapid fire pistol event ensured an Olympic quota.
At the Commonwealth Games too, he brought glory to the nation, bagging 3 Golds and 1 Silver for his efforts. This was followed by a couple of Bronze medals at the Asian Games, Guangzhou.
A regular in the World's top 10, he has been ever consistent and thus reaping the benefits. The recognition at the World stage started in the 2006 Commonwealth Games after winning both the pairs and the individual 25 metre rapid fire pistol competition. The following year, he finished second at the Asian Championship in the 25 metre center-fire pistol.
The 2009 ISSF World Cup in Beijing was probably his biggest achievement. He missed the Gold by 0.1 point in the rapid fire pistol event. The next year he won 4 Golds and 1 Silver at the Commonwealth Shooting championships. He received the Arjuna Award in 2007.
ÂÂ