Olympic silver medallist Vijay Kumar says he was taken aback when people, including the media, expressed surprise on his podium finish here at the London Games.
“I have been getting phone calls from India. They say I turned out to be a dark horse. They want to know more about me. So, sometimes I do feel a bit sad but then I have learnt to take these things in my stride,” said Vijay, who came second in the 25 metres rapid fire pistol event.
“I am a national champion since 2004 in my event. I won two gold medals with new (Commonwealth) Games record in the Melbourne edition (2006), a gold and bronze in Doha Asia Games, a silver in World Championship, three gold and a silver in 2010 Commonwealth Games, two bronze in Guangzhou Asian Games, and if still my medal winning performance has surprised people, I can’t help.”
Asked if he ever felt hurt for not getting the attention well deserved, Vijay said: “I am a human being, I will be telling you a lie if I say it did not matter but now I realise that this was a blessing in di
An editor of a “compact” newspaper in Delhi (published by a reputed media group) had said leave these people focus on stars while talking about medal probables during editorial meeting. An sports reporter had proposed to do the profile of Vijay Kumar a day before he was scheduled to compete.