Vijay Kumar - The unsung hero who bagged a silver at London Olympics 2012

Zeenews Sports Bureau

New Delhi: As top Indian athletes continued to disappoint India at the 2012 London Olympics, an unheralded Vijay Kumar, with huge determination made an immediate impact as he bagged a silver medal in 25m Rapid Fire Pistol on Friday. Pic Gallery: Vijay Kumar wins silver» Vijay Kumar who was born in Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh, won a medal on a day when one of India’s top medal hopeful Saina Nehwal crashed out of the prestigious games as she was defeated by top-seeded Wang Yihan of China. For many Indians, the schedule for the day was over with Saina’s defeat, but the unsung hero Kumar rose to the occasion and gave India its second medal at the London Olympics. The 25-year old has no dearth of experience in playing big games and winning medals. Son of a retired Subedar, Vijay is grateful to the Indian army who has given him the opportunity and a Russian coach Pavel Smirnov for polishing his raw talent. In May last year, he became one of the 11 shooters from India to book a place at the London Olympics when he won a silver medal at the shooting World Cup in Fort Benning, USA. He has more than 20 international medals and 75 national medals, but the latest one he has added to his CV is something which he will cherish throughout his life. Kumar’s excellent performance at the 2010 Commonwealth Games Vijay Kumar won 3 gold medals and a silver medal in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Here is a list of the events: Gold Medal(s) 1. Men`s 25 metre rapid fire pistol pairs 2. Men`s 25 metre rapid fire pistol singles 3. Men`s 25 metre centre fire pistol pairs Silver Medal(s) 1. Men`s 25 metre centre fire pistol singles