New Delhi: Indian para-archer Harvinder Singh, who made the headlines after bagging a gold medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024, has alleged ‘discrimination’ in sports awards. Harvinder questioned why the Khel Ratna was not given to athletes who brought laurels for the country at the big event such as Olympics as it was distributed after the Tokyo Games.
This comes after gold medallist Harvinder was snubbed from the Khel Ratna – the highest sporting honour of India. Harvinder, who earned a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2021 Games, rose to fame after he claimed his maiden gold medal in archery at the Paralympics 2024 after beating Lukasz Ciszek of Poland in the final 6-0.
Discrimination in sports: Harvinder
The ace athlete took to social media site X to write a post where he mentioned that this ‘Discrimination in sports’ as Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Gold medallists were awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, but what about Paris 2024 Paralympic Gold medalists? Indian para-athletes were exceptional at the Paris Games this year as they got a record 29 medals, which was unprecedented.
“Discrimination in sports”Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Gold medalists were awarded by Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, but what about Paris 2024 Paralympic Gold medalists? Same Competition, Same Gold, same pride, why not same award? #KhelRatnaAward” @PMOIndia @PTI_News @ANI @
— Harvinder Singh (Archery) (@ArcherHarvinder) December 24, 2024
Meanwhile, after India’s gold-winning performance at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, shooter Avani Lekhara, javelin thrower Sumit Antil and shuttler Pramod Bhagat were honoured with the Khel Ratna along with Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. National archery coach and Dronacharya awardee Jiwanjot Singh Teja also joined the chorus, highlighting the same point which Harvinder mentioned.
In 2021, all Tokyo Olympic & Paralympic gold medalists were honored with the Khel Ratna Award. I humbly request your kind consideration for Harvinder, who made history with India’s 1st individual Paralympic Gold & multiple other medals. His achievements inspire us all. pic.twitter.com/KLs8p9u3Ev
— Jiwanjot Singh Teja (@tejacoach) December 24, 2024
Earlier, double Olympic medallist winner Manu Bhaker was in the news after the champion shooter’s name was reportedly missing from the shortlists for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award. The highest sporting honour is awarded to sportspersons with exceptional performances.
Indian para-archer Harvinder Singh, who made the headlines after bagging a gold medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024, has alleged ‘discrimination’ in sports awards. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
