Bajrang meets Sports Min, hopeful of Ratna

new delhi, SepTEMBER 21 

Snubbed for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, wrestler Bajrang Punia met Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and said he has been assured that his case will be looked into. 

“I was supposed to meet the Sports Minister today but suddenly we got a call last evening for the meeting. I asked the Minister about the reason for not considering my name for the Khel Ratna. He said I did not have enough points which is wrong. I have garnered more points than the two (Virat Kohli and Mirabai Chanu) who were nominated,” Bajrang said.

The 24-year-old wrestler said if he doesn’t get a favourable reply by the evening, forced to file a court case to get justice. Bajrang was accompanied by his mentor Olympics medallist Yogeshwar Dutt during the meeting. “I have been wronged. I want justice. The Minister said he will look into the matter but there is hardly any time left for the award function. I will wait till evening for the communication from the government’s side. If I don’t get a favourable reply by evening I will move court tomorrow,” he added. 

As per the terms of reference for the selection committee, it “may not mechanically recommend Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna to the recipient of the highest marks across disciplines.” — PTI