I deserved Dronacharya award five years ago, says Mahabir Phogat

Bhiwani, August 25

Wrestling coach and father of Phogat sisters — Mahabir Phogat — said today that he deserved the Dronacharya award five years ago.

Phogat said he was still thankful to the Sports Ministry for extending him the honour based on his achievement as a coach to train his daughters Geeta and Babita as world class wrestlers.

Had he been given the award earlier and given more facilities, he could have delivered better results in international games.

“My elder daughter Geeta had given the nation the first gold medal in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Another daughter, Babita Kumari, and niece Vinesh won gold medals in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. My performance has remained consistent”, Phogat claimed.

Phogat said the nation won six medals in the 2012 London Olympics but the medal tally fell down to two in Rio Olympics. If the government starts paying attention to sports infrastructure and needs of players, it could bring better results in Tokyo Olympics, he added. — TNS