Top military award for Rathore

Olympic silver medallist Major Rajyavardhan Rathore, who was recently promoted to Lt. Colonel, was honoured with the Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM), as the Army announced its military honours for the year 2004, on Tuesday.

Rathore was awarded the AVSM, for his distinguished service to the nation. Apart from his exemplary military career, Rathore also became India's first-ever silver medallist at the Olympic Games in Athens, last August.

"This is the best honour I have got since my medal," said Rathore at the announcement.

"It will spur me to achieve greater heights."

This is the first time in the history of the Indian Army that an officer below the rank of a Brigadier has been awarded the country's second highest military medal in the distinguished services series. The highest award is the Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM).

The AVSM is generally awarded to officers of the rank of Generals. But the Indian Army which has been using Rathore as a role model with hoardings across the city, decided to make this unprecedented move and honour Rajyavardhan with AVSM despite his young age of 34.

Rathore will be participating in the Commonwealth Champions in Melbourne next month. He is currently in preparation for the event and other forthcoming internationals, including World Cups and World Championships in Lonato, Italy.