Ignored for Khel Ratna, Bajrang Punia to move court
New Delhi : Star Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia has vowed to move court after being ignored for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
Asian Games champion Bajrang was considered as a strong contender for India's highest sporting honour following his recent achievements. He won gold medals in Gold Coast and Jakarta this year. The Haryana grappler has also won a World Championship bronze medal in 2013 besides winning silver medals in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games and Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
The selection committee, which met on Monday, recommended cricketer Virat Kohli and weightlifter Mirabai Chanu for the prestigious award.
Speaking to Mail Today, the 24-year-old wrestler said he was 'hurt'. "I don't know what is in their (selection committee's) mind. My achievements are there what else do you want? I am coming to Delhi tomorrow and will file a case in the court against it. I am really disappointed," Bajrang said on Tuesday.
"I tried Rathore sir's (Sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh) number several times but of no use. He didn't even reply. I will now meet him personally and enquire about the matter," he added. "The World Championship is scheduled to begin next month and such ignorance of the ministry is really disappointing," said Bajrang, who is currently training in Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, Olympic bronze medallist and Bajrang's guru, Yogeshwar Dutt, raised questions over 'selection criteria'. "Bajrang has been consistently performing well in international tournaments. I am unable to understand why his name not being nominated for Khel Ratna. I am not against anybody. I am happy for the athletes who are getting awards but on what basis Bajrang has been ignored? The committee must make the criteria for selection transparent," he said.
It is also learnt that Indian wrestling coach Sujeet Maan has also expressed his disappointment over Dronacharya award snub. According to sources, Maan is likely to meet the sports minister soon.
courtesy : indiatoday.in
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Beauty of democracy: Tharoor congratulates BJP on civic body poll win in his constituency
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday, while lauding the win of the UDF in Kerala local bodies elections, also congratulated the BJP for its historic performance in his Thiruvananthapuram constituency, calling it the "beauty of democracy".
In a post on X, he said the people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in his constituency.
"What a day of amazing results in the Kerala local self-government elections! The mandate is clear, and the democratic spirit of the state shines through.
"A huge congratulations to @UDFKerala for a truly impressive win across various local bodies! This is a massive endorsement and a powerful signal ahead of the state legislative elections. Hard work, a strong message and anti-incumbency have all clearly paid off to achieve a much better result than in 2020," Tharoor said.
He said he also acknowledges the historic performance of the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, and "offer humble congratulations on their significant victory in the city corporation - a strong showing that marks a notable shift in the capital's political landscape."
Tharoor said he campaigned for a change from 45 years of the LDF "misrule", but the voters have ultimately rewarded another party that also sought a clear change in governance.
"That is the beauty of democracy. The people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in my constituency.
"We will continue to work for the betterment of Kerala, advocating for the people's needs and upholding the principles of good governance. Onwards and upwards!" Tharoor, who is the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, said.
The lotus bloomed in the state capital as the BJP-led NDA achieved a resounding win in the polls for the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, snatching it from the CPI(M)-led LDF and marking an end to 45 years of continuous Left rule in the local body.
The win in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation will act as a boost for the BJP in the 2026 Assembly polls, especially in the state capital.
Of the 101 wards in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the BJP won 50, LDF 29, UDF 19 and two wards were won by independent candidates.
The BJP is one seat short of a decisive majority in the corporation.
Besides this, the NDA retained the Palakkad municipality after a close battle with the Congress-led UDF and wrested the Thrippunithura Municipality from the grand old party.
In Thrissur, from where Suresh Gopi won in the Lok Sabha polls last year, the BJP won 18 out of the 46 wards in Kodungallur Municipality, eight in Thrissur Corporation, two each in Guruvayoor and Vadakkancherry municipalities, seven in Kunnamkulam Municipality, six in Irinjalakuda Municipality and one in Chalakudy Municipality.
