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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Drizzle in Delhi, air quality 'severe'
New Delhi (PTI): Delhiites woke up to a drizzle and fog on Monday morning with the minimum temperature settling at 8.6 degrees Celsius, a notch below the seasonal average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
At 8.30 am, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 402, in the 'severe' category, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.
The rain is expected to improve the air quality in the coming hours.
