Army may give promotion, cash reward to sulking shooter Vijay

After ace shooter and Olympic silver medalist Vijay Kumar threatened to quit service, the Army is now thinking of giving him a promotion and a cash reward of up to Rs 30 lakh.

The Army is thinking of granting promotion to Vijay as per the existing rules and regulations of the force and its Chief is expected to announce a reward of up to Rs 30 lakh once he is back from London, defence sources said here.

They said whatever is his due and whatever is permitted within the Service rules would be given to him as the Army was proud of him and his achievements. The ace shooter, who is arriving here tomorrow morning, would be given a grand welcome and a reception in his honour would be held very soon, they said.

The Defence Ministry is also expected to make separate announcements about the cash reward for the shooter, they said. Vijay had yesterday stated that he would quit the Army as he has not been given a single promotion in the last six years despite good performances at national and international meets.

A Subedar with 16 Dogra Regiment, Vijay provided the 'silver lining' for India in London Games last week, clinching the second place in the 25m rapid fire pistol event. Himachal Pradesh government has announced Rs 1 crore for him but he is not satisfied as he has not been given any state award so far.