‘Melbourne gold was a milestone’

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Vijay Kumar

As a child, Vijay Kumar tried his hand at almost every sport, but shooting. In 2001, he intended to take up boxing as a career, before a job in the Army helped him realise his true potential.

Shooting was a mandatory part of his training regime, and Vijay excelled in it. Soon, he began to take part in national and international competitions.
Things took a huge turnaround at the London Games, when the 27-year old picked up a silver in the 25m rapidfire pistol, bringing home the country’s fourth shooting medal in Olympic history. “The last month has been amazing, but now it’s time to be back in action,” says Vijay, who left for Bangkok on Monday to compete in the World Cup finals.
The Himachal Pradesh lad spoke about his interests, sporting hero and future plans.

Earliest sporting memory: Sport was an integral part of growing up years. I used to play cricket, badminton, basketball, boxing, volleyball, besides a few other sport too.

Most memorable sporting moment: The 2006 Commonwealth Games gold in Melbourne was a milestone for me.
It set up a belief and in a way, was my first step towards the London Olympics silver. Of course, the silver in London stands out.

Worst sporting moment: As a serviceman, I have been taught to focus on the positives and find a way out of difficult situtions. I do not consider anything as bad or worse.

Questions most asked by the public/press: Kaisa lag raha hai, Vijay?

Sporting heroes: Ralf Schumann of Germany. He is a three-time Olympic champion in my event, and is 50 years of age. He is an inspiration.

Favourite venue: India

Other sport you would pay the most to see: I like to watch indoor sport, like table tennis, boxing and of course Sushil bhai’s bouts.

Whom would you most like to invite to dinner and why? My parents and my grandmother. She is the one I am closest to.
Person you learnt most from: My father. He has been very, very understanding and is a guiding force.

Other interests in your life: Clubbing, sleeping, music, movies, driving.

What do you never leave home without? My phone and wallet.

A habit you wish to get rid of: Keeping fit is a habit and I wish I never get rid of it!

Favourite actors: Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan.

Funniest fan letter/proposal? Nothing funny, but the love and adulation from the fans is worth savouring. It makes you feel that you have contributed to their happiness.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Rio is a realistic target, but before that I would be focused on the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.

What if not a shooter? A boxer or may be a professor as I like to study.