Title - SER continue to support Jopdeep Karmakar in his pursuit for Rio Olympi

South Eastern Railway's general manger A K Verma today led a standing ovation to London Olympian shooter Joydeep Karmakar and promised to continue support him as an employee in his pursuit for Rio Olympics in 2016.The 33-year-old senior clerk of SER missed the bronze medal by a whisker in the 50m rifle prone was given a fitting felicitation for his accomplishment at London Olympics.Though there was no official announcement, but sources in the SER said they have approached the board for an out of turn promotion for Karmakar into the rank of a head TT."It will take time to get him promoted, ' a source, who is not authorised to speak, said about the Arjuna nominated shooter," he added.Mr Verma, while acknowledging his sporting talent that brought pride not to only to his SER but as a whole for the country, gave a cheque of Rs 2 lakh, a swal and some mementos.But before awarding him, Mr Verma told the audience at the felicitation at SER headquarters at Garden Reach to stand up and claps for the shooter for his outstanding performance at his Olympics debut.Karmakar, though posted officially at Kharagpur but he stays in the city and have free time to carry on his mission (shooting). Mr Verma said they would take care of Karmakar so that he can continue in his pursuit for shooting.

The Indian Railway, earlier last week the shooter was handed Rs 25 lakh from Railway Minsiter Mukul Roy.

Karmakar also acknowledged that his employer's contribution and said when he needed the support much to carry on his dream and ambition SER came forward.

"I got the SER job at the age of 19 on sport quota to support my sporting career and my family and I am indeed grateful to my employer," Karmakar said.

He said he would start training soon to prepare for national championship in December.