Shooter Vijay deserves topmost award: Prem Kumar Dhumal

Olympic silver medallist pistol shooter Vijay Kumar deserves the country's topmost award for a sportsperson, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said in Shimla on Wednesday.

In a missive to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Dhumal said awarding the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award to Vijay Kumar, who belonged to the hill state, would boost his morale further to bring more laurels for the country.

The state government has already announced a cash award of Rs.1 crore to the shooter. It has also decided to honour him with Himachal Gaurav Award on Independence Day.

Meanwhile, Vijay, who is Subedar with the Dogra Regiment of the Indian Army, returned home from London on Wednesday morning. He was given a rousing welcome by the Army.

His family, belonging to Harsour village in the Badsar division of Hamirpur district, reached Delhi to welcome him.

Vijay's father Subedar (retd) Banku Ram said he would return to his village after spending a few days in his regiment.

"His first goal was to win an Olympic medal. As that desire has been fulfilled, we will now start looking for a match for his wedding. It's the right time to get married," Vijay's mother, Roshni Devi, said.