Major Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, India's sole medal winner at the Athens Olympics, returned to a hero's welcome in New Delhi on Saturday.

The 34-year-old armyman, who won the country's first ever Olympic silver medal in the double trap shooting event, was received at the Indira Gandhi International Airport by the Union Sports Minister Sunil Dutt and top army officials.

"I am feeling great because the country is very proud of my achievements," Rathore told waiting reporters.

Rathore in order to acknowledge the cheers of the crowd, stood on top of his car and proudly displayed his medal.