Kumar picked up silver in the 25 metre rapid fire pistol event at London 2012 to secure India's second medal of the Games.

The 28-year-old sprung onto the shooting scene in 2006 when he won two gold medals at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

He followed this feat with a further three gold medals at Delhi 2010, a Games which also saw him claim silver in the 25m centre fire pistol event.

According to Indian newspaper The Hindu, Chef de Mission for the Indian Commonwealth Games team, Raj Singh, said the Indian Olympic Association had initially decided in favour of Beijing 2008 gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, but the shooter declined to do the honours as his event was to take place on Thursday (July 24).

Despite the rejection, Singh confirmed Kumar will fly the flag for India in tomorrow's Opening Ceremony, with London 2012 wrestling bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt kept as a reserve.

"Accordingly, it was a toss-up between Vijay Kumar and wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, before we firmed up the shooter," Singh said.

Vijay Kumar took silver in the 25m rapid fire pistol event at London 2012 ©Getty Images



As of yesterday, 152 Indian athletes out of 221 cleared to participate in the Games had checked in at the Athletes' Village.

The Indian team had its flag ceremony at the Athletes' Village on Sunday (July 20), when the tricolour was hoisted in the presence of the athletes and officials.

Commenting on the preparations of the Indian contingent, Singh said the morale of all the team members was currently very high.

"They are all preparing well for the competitions ahead and I hope the contingent will return home with flying colours," he said.

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