Olympic silver medalist Vijay Kumar promoted as Subedar Major

Olympic silver medalist Vijay Kumar was on Thursday promoted as Subedar Major and given a cash award of Rs30 lakh with Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh promising all help to elevate him to the rank of an officer.

The announcement was made soon after Vijay Kumar was promoted from rank of Subedar to Subedar Major in a ceremony where Gen Singh and Army Vice Chief Lt Gen SK Singh pipped-in his ranks on his shoulders.

"This commission (to the grade of officer) has to be granted by the President and certain rules have to be followed. We will provide all help to him as he is very capable ... he talks in English and is very educated and has the capabilities to become an officer. We will further strengthen his capabilities to make him a commissioned officer," the Army Chief said.

Gen Singh was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function to felicitate 14 Olympians belonging to the Army.

Addressing the gathering, he said as per the existing policy, two promotions have been given to the ace shooter.

Kumar said, "justice has been done to him" with the cash award and his promotion.

"I can say yes. For the last four last years I was waiting for my incentives. This promotion was due last year and I have got it now. Now, I can say yes," he said, when asked if justice has been done to him.

At the ceremony, ace-boxer L Devendro Singh and Shiva Thapa were also awarded Rs one lakh and an Army Chief Commendation Card.