Sports Minister Vijay Goel came under flak once again for his comment on whether a similar policy is applicable for Paralympic medallists to be conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.
"Our Paralympians have made India proud winning four medals so far in Rio Paralympics. But on the issue of awards, till now there has been no decision on any such policy for Paralympians. We will take up the matter within the ministry," he said.
There is a policy by the government which states that if anyone wins a medal during an Olympic year, he will be automatically conferred with the Khel Ratna award. PV Sindhu and Sakshi Malik who fetched silver and bronze respectively, gymnast Dipa Karmakar and pistol shooter Jitu Rai were awarded the country’s highest sporting honour for their sterling performance in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. The award carried a statuette, citation and cash prize of Rs.7.5 lakh each.
Thus far, in the 2016 Paralympics, India have fetched four medals - two golds, one silver, and a bronze. Mariyappan Thangavelu won a gold and Varun Singh Bhati got bronze, both in the men’s high jump finals. Deepa Malik became the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal after getting silver in the women’s shot put competition.
Devendra Jhajhariya became the first Indian to have clinched two gold medals after coming first in the men’s javelin throw finals. Earlier, he won a gold in the 2004 edition of the Games as well.
Expressing happiness at the performances of the athletes, he added, "During the Olympics, it was difficult to attend any public function as people had just one question: 'Where are the medals?' The Olympians fought really well but unfortunately couldn't convert into medals. But our Paralympians have really made us proud. It is a great day for Indian sports. We have so far won four and still counting."
Goel was there in New Delhi to unveil the logo of the upcoming Kabaddi World Cup. But it remains to be seen whether the medal winners receive the Khel Ratna which they deserve, without a doubt.
