From correspondents in Maharashtra, India, 11:03 PM IST

Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh Friday announced a reward of Rs.500,000 to boxer Vijender Kumar for winning a bronze medal at the ongoing Beijing Olympics.

"The 22-year-old youth from Haryana has done the country proud by winning the bronze medal. His success will inspire many others and help popularise boxing sport in India," Deshmukh said in a congratulatory message to Vijender.

Though the Indian boxer lost 5-8 to Cuban Emilio Correa Bayeaux Jr. in a closely contested semi-final at the Workers Gymnasium Friday, he still brings to India its the first-ever boxing medal.

Deshmukh announced a similar reward to wrestler Sushil Kumar, who bagged a bronze in the 66-kg category Wednesday.

Maharashtra rewarded ace shooter Abhinav Bindra with Rs.1 million for getting India its first individual Olympic gold medal.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)