Sportspersons not playing for nation to lose benefits: Vij

Manish Sirhindi

Tribune News Service

Ambala, July 1

As fallout of boxer Vijender Singh Beniwal going professional, the state government has decided to amend its sports policy by introducing a clause of stripping sportspersons of all benefits accorded to them for their sports achievements in case they decide not to represent the country or state in competitions.

Sports Minister Anil Vij, who had yesterday hinted at taking stern action against the boxer, said the government would soon review the state’s sports policy.

He said it was unfortunate that the governments spend lakhs of rupees on sportspersons for their training and even offered them jobs to sustain their sporting activities, but when it comes to representing the country they simply walk away lured by more money.

The minister, who had recently hit the social media after getting a selfie clicked with the star boxer, said Vijender had met him a number of times but had never complained against the state’s sports policy or against the facilities that were at his disposal. “Active sportspersons who choose private clubs rather then representing the nation had no right over the benefits granted to them,” Vij said.

He said, “Players having jobs with the state government department cannot just walk away from representing the country. They should play for the nation. If not, then the government will rethink.”

The minister said Vijender was given a job as DSP in the state police for his sports achievements while representing the country. “Now that he will no longer be able to represent the country after going professional, we will reconsider this decision,” he said.

Vijender signed a multi-year promotional agreement with Queensberry Promotions through IOS Sports and Entertainment on Monday in London following which he was rendered ineligible to take part in the 2016 Rio Olympics as per the rules of the International Boxing Association (AIBA).