New Delhi, April 14: Tejaswin Shankar, a silver medalist in decathlon at the Asian Games, has criticized the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the delay in announcing the National Sports Awards. He described this delay as disrespectful and discouraging to athletes.
Tejaswin expressed his concerns on X, stating, “The unofficial names should have been considered in December, not four months later. This delay is not only demotivating for athletes and coaches but also a sign of disrespect.”
According to the ministry, “Preparations for the National Sports Awards program are ongoing. The list of athletes is being reevaluated, which is causing some delays. The awards ceremony will be held soon.”
Athletes have strongly opposed the delay in the awards ceremony. They believe that the reevaluation is putting excessive pressure on those who have already met the requirements.
The ministry had called for applications for the National Sports Awards (Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Arjuna Award (Lifetime), Dronacharya Award, and National Sports Promotion Award) on September 29 last year, which was later extended to November 4.
After a selection committee meeting on December 24, a list containing at least 24 names, including Tejaswin’s for the Arjuna Award, was sent to the sports ministry. However, the process is currently stalled.
The awards are typically presented by the President of India during a ceremony held on August 29, the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand. In years when the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games occur, the date of the awards ceremony is determined based on the final dates of these games and in consultation with the President’s secretariat.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
Leave a Comment