New Delhi: Miffed at being ignored for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, star wrestler Bajrang Punia threatened Thursday to take legal action against the government for not considering him for the country’s highest sporting honour.
Bajrang was nominated for the Khel Ratna by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) following his twin gold medals at this year’s Gold Coast CWG and Jakarta Asian Games.
But the government jointly bestowed the honour to India cricket captain Virat Kohli and World Champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu (48kg).
The decision didn’t go down well with Bajrang, who also won a bronze medal in 2013 World Championships, and the wrestler is scheduled to meet Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore to plead his case Friday.
“I’m really disappointed and shocked. I’m meeting Sports Minister tomorrow after (mentor) Yogi bhai (Yogeshwar Dutt) spoke to him and arranged the meeting. I just want to know why I was being ignored. I want to know the reason,” Bajrang told reporters here. “It’s in his hands now. I want to know whether I deserve it or not. If I deserve then only give me the award.”
Asked if he will go to the court if he fails to convince the Sports Minister, Bajrang said he might do so. “It would be the last option. I feel I deserve the award this year and that’s why I have applied for it,” he stated.
“One doesn’t feel good to beg for an award but it is the biggest honour for any sportsperson and a wrestler’s career is very uncertain. Anytime an injury can end your career,” Bajrang added.
Arjune awardees plead Teja’s case
New Delhi: Arjuna Award winning archers, including Abhishek Verma and Rajat Chauhan, shot off a letter Thursday to President Ram Nath Kovind, requesting him to ensure that their coach Jiwanjot Singh Teja is not deprived of Dronacharya honour. Teja was recommended for the Dronacharya by the selection committee, but the Sports Ministry struck off his name citing a past incident of indiscipline against the coach. “He is a big motivator and has taken Indian archery to new heights. So, we urge you to kindly acknowledge his efforts and pursue the issue at the earliest as it can affect the entire archery fraternity,” the letter read. The archers, including V Jyoti Sureka, also marked a copy to Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.