Harvinder Singh makes ‘discrimination’ declare after Paris Paralympics gold medallist snubbed from Khel Ratna award

Indian para-archer
Harvinder Singh has alleged “discrimination” in sports activities awards after the Paris Paralympics gold medallist was snubbed from the listing of gamers nominated for the Main Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award. Harvinder questioned why Tokyo Paralympics medallists had been being nominated for Khel Ratna award and never the Paris Paralympics medallists.

“Discrimination in sports activities” Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Gold medalists had been awarded by Main Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, however what about Paris 2024 Paralympic Gold medalists? Identical Competitors, Identical Gold, similar pleasure, why not similar award,” Harvinder wrote on “X”, whereas additionally tagging the official deal with of Prime Minister of India’s workplace.

“Discrimination in sports activities”Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Gold medalists had been awarded by Main Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, however what about Paris 2024 Paralympic Gold medalists? Identical Competitors, Identical Gold, similar pleasure, why not similar award? #KhelRatnaAward” @PMOIndia @PTI_News @ANI @

— Harvinder Singh (Archery) (@ArcherHarvinder) December 24, 2024

Harvinder, a bronze medallist in Tokyo,
gained his maiden Paralympic gold after beating Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek within the males’s particular person recurve open ultimate earlier this 12 months. Avai Lekhara, Sumit Antil and Pramnod Bhagat, all of whom gained gold on the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, had been conferred with their Khel Rahna award for his or her performances.

“Within the 12 months 2021, all Olympic medal winners and Paralympic gold medal winners had been honoured with the Khel Ratna, and it’s really inspiring to see the federal government proceed to acknowledge the immense contributions of our athletes,” Jiwanjot Singh Teja, the Indian group’s archery coach posted on “X”. “Nonetheless, I perceive that the coverage might have now modified, which brings me to request your variety consideration in direction of Mr. Harvinder Singh’s distinctive achievements,” he added.

Jiwanjot recalled the achievements of Harvinder Singh. “Mr. Harvinder Singh gained 1st ever particular person gold medal on the Paris Paralympics, together with a 4th-place end within the recurve combined group occasion. His historic feat of profitable India’s first-ever particular person bronze medal on the 2021 Paralympics has already positioned him among the many nation’s elite athletes.

“Moreover, he’s the one archer to have gained gold on the 2018 Para Asian Video games and a bronze on the 2022 version. These accomplishments spotlight not solely his dedication and expertise but in addition the pleasure he has delivered to India within the discipline of para-sports. I kindly request that you just contemplate Mr. Harvinder Singh for the Khel Ratna Award, as recognizing his efforts will undoubtedly encourage numerous different athletes and additional improve India’s standing within the worldwide sports activities group,’ he added.

In 2021, all Tokyo Olympic & Paralympic gold medalists had been honored with the Khel Ratna Award. I humbly request your variety consideration for Harvinder, who made historical past with India’s 1st particular person Paralympic Gold & a number of different medals. His achievements encourage us all. pic.twitter.com/KLs8p9u3Ev

— Jiwanjot Singh Teja (@tejacoach) December 24, 2024

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker, who gained two bronze medals on the 2024 Paris Olympics, had additionally claimed that she was
snubbed from the nominees listing for the Khel Ratna award. Whereas the Sports activities Ministry mentioned that she had not utilized for the award, Bhaker and her household mentioned in any other case, stating that she had utilized. Bhaker later admitted that there
might have been a lapse from her finish whereas submitting the nomination.