New Delhi: Ace Indian shuttler Chirag Shetty has lashed out at the Maharashtra government for felicitating the Rohit Sharma-led Team India for winning the T20 World Cup 2024 title but ignoring badminton. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday announced a cash reward of Rs 11 crore for the Indian cricket team which lifted the T20 World Cup title after beating South Africa in the final in Barbados last month.
Chirag, who was a key member of the Indian men’s badminton team which won the Thomas Cup title in 2022, slammed the state government for not even felicitating him let alone announcing a cash reward for the shuttler. India scripted history by stunning favourites Indonesia 3-0 in the final to win their maiden Thomas Cup title in Bangkok in 2022.
His comments came after the Maharashtra government announced a Rs 11 crore cash reward for the T20 World Cup-winning Indian team at the central hall of the Vidhan Bhavan (state legislature complex) on Friday. Four players of the squad who are from Maharashtra – skipper Rohit Sharma, Shivam Dube, Suryakumar Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal were also felicitated in the assembly.
Chirag and his doubles partner Satwiksairaj Rankireddy starred in the Thomas Cup final for India and sealed the elusive trophy with a victory in their double match. Stating that the government should treat all sports equally, Chirag expressed his displeasure at how his efforts were not recognised by the state government when he was the lone player from Maharashtra in the Thomas Cup-winning team.
“Thomas Cup is equivalent to winning the World Cup. I was part of the Indian badminton team which won its maiden title, shocking champions Indonesia in the final. I was the only Maharashtra player in the Indian team. When the govt can honour World Cup-winning cricket stars, they should have also recognised my efforts. Government should treat any other sport equally,” Chirag was quoted as saying by Times of India.
I have nothing against cricket: Chirag Shetty
India became only the sixth nation to win the Thomas Cup title after blanking holders Indonesia 3-0 in the final. It was a historic moment for Indian badminton as India had never managed to reach even the semi-finals of the prestigious event. Chirag insisted he has nothing against cricket and that him and his fellow badminton players were elated after India won the T20 World Cup 2024 title.
However, he urged the Maharashtra government to treat all sports equally as he and his teammates achieved something similar when they won the Thomas Cup in 2022. Chirag and Satwik became the first Indian men’s pair to achieve world no.1 ranking a few months ago and the duo have led India to numerous memorable title victories in the past.
“I have nothing against cricket. In fact, we all badminton players watched the T20 World Cup final live on TV and celebrated enthusiastically. We are happy and proud about their sensational win against South Africa in the final. Similarly, we had also achieved something remarkable a couple of years ago, but the state government did not even felicitate me, leave apart from giving any cash rewards. Before 2022, the Indian badminton team had never even reached the semifinals but we created history by winning the title,” added Chirag.
Chirag and Satwik are currently preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics in the national camp in Hyderabad. The pair are one of the strongest contenders to win a medal in men’s doubles and will be carrying the hopes of millions at the showpiece event.
The pair have won two gold medals in Commonwealth Games, one gold at Asian Games and one gold medal at the Asian Championships and will be hoping to make history at the Olympics this year.
Ace Indian shuttler Chirag Shetty slammed the Maharashtra government for ignoring his Thomas Cup feat after a Rs 11 crore cash reward awas announced for the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team for winning the T20 World Cup 2024. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
