Sakshi Malik disappointed over not given Arjuna award
Chandigarh: Ignored for the Arjuna award, Olympic bronze medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik took to social media to express her disappointment.
Malik, already a recipient of 'Khel Ratna' - country's highest sporting honour - had applied for Arjuna but her case was rejected by the Sports Ministry after the awards committee left it to minister's discretion.
Weightlifter Mira Bai Chanu's application was also rejected as she has also received the 'Khel Ratna' in the past.
"Honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi jee and honourable sports minister @kirenrijiju jee. I am honoured that I have been conferred with the Khel Ratna. Every player dreams of getting all the awards. The athletes toil hard. I, too have a dream that I get Arjuna award. How many medals should I win to get it. Or I will not get it in my wrestling career," she tweeted in Hindi on Saturday.
Malik has been struggling very badly since her Rio exploits. Leave aside producing results at the international level, she is even struggling to get past upcoming youngsters in her category.
Twice she lost to Sonam Malik during the trials for international tournaments. Malik had also claimed recently that she has got only assurances by the state government despite doing well.
"So far, I have not got a plot (land) nor has a job been given to me. I had met the Sports Minister and the Chief Minister earlier, but only got assurances," Malik had said on Thursday. Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij, however, rejected the claim.
"We gave a cheque of Rs 2.5 crore the day she landed in India (after the Olympics event)," he has said.
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MEA reports more than 200 Indians enlisted in Russian military since 2022; 26 deaths confirmed
More than 200 Indian nationals have joined the Russian armed forces since 2022, with 26 are confirmed dead, MEA—The Ministry of External Affairs have informed the Upper house of the Parliament: Rajya Sabha.
In a written response, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, has stated that at least 202 Indians are reported to have joined the Russian army. Among these recruited personnels, 26 have lost their lives; while, seven individuals have been reported missing by Russian authorities. He added that the remains of two deceased Indian nationals were cremated in Russia.
Singh noted that the sustained diplomatic efforts by the Indian government have led to the early discharge of 119 individuals. He further added that the discussions are going smoothly with the Russians to secure the release of the remaining personnel, with efforts underway to facilitate the early discharge of 50 more Indian nationals.
According to the minister, the Union government is in contact with Russian authorities to ensure the safety, welfare, and prompt return of Indian citizens serving in the Russian army. The issue, he said, is being addressed at multiple levels, including interactions between senior leaders, ministers, and officials of both countries.
The said disclosure was made in response to queries raised by Saket Gokhale, the MP of Trinamool Congress, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, the MP of INC, regarding the number of Indians allegedly recruited into the military service in Russia; Along with the details of deaths and missing persons reported since 2022.
