Ace shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said he is proud to win the nation's highest sporting honour and vowed to work harder to reach the pinnacle.

Reacting to the news that he won the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Independent India's first individual Olympic silver medal winner said, "It gives me immense satisfaction and I feel proud to hear that I was expected to win the award.

"This is the highest sporting achievement and looked upon by every single sportsperson in the country."

The 35-year-old, who last year won the Arjuna award, said he would work harder in pursuit of greater glory.

"People ask me about the future. Though I can never guarantee victories, I can guarantee hardwork and somewhere down the lane it will bring honours. I am mission-oriented," he said.

Asked where he will place the Khel Ratna of all the awards he has won in his glittering career, Rathore, who has been decorated with both civilian and military honours, said any award given by the President of India gets the top billing.

"Though each and every single award is special, any award from the President of India has the top place," he said, adding, "I congratulate all the award winners."