Vijay’s father wants him to win Olympic gold

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060329/sports.htm#6

Mahesh Chander Sharma

Sundernagar: Soon after shooter Vijay Kumar won the first of his two gold medals at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, his father Banku Ram got busy attending congratulatory calls at the Sub Post Office at Harsaur village in Hamirpur. The reason: there was no telephone at home.

When Vijay won his second gold, his family finally purchased a cellphone. Vijay’s brother is now sharing his father’s “burden” by answering hundreds of calls coming in from all directions.

Elated at his son’s success, Banku Ram, a retired Subedar from the 4th Dogra Regiment, wants his son to win a gold medal at the Olympics.

Born on August 19, 1985, Vijay was selected in the 16th Dogra Regiment about four years ago when he was student of Class XII. During training, he was found to be good in shooting and encouraged by the instructor to pursue the sport. Since than he has won about 40 medals in various competitions.

At present Vijay is posted at the Infantry Training Centre in Mhow (Madhya Pradesh). “He has not been able to visit us for the past eight months,” says Banku Ram. “He is now in China for the World Cup”.

Thanks to Vijay’s exploits, Harsaur village, about 6 km from Badsar subdivision of Hamirpur, has risen from obscurity to prominence. The village is bearing a festive look these days and guests are pouring in to become part of the celebrations.

Avnish Katoch

An IT professional for 17 years, based in the US since the last 12 years. Founded NGO My Himachal and then Himachal Media Pvt. Ltd.. A Himachali forever. Always trying to bring together people whose hearts beat for the state.