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What’s the story?
Gaurav Bidhuri, who won bronze at the World Boxing Championships in Germany on August 31, wrote a heart-felt tweet to Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, letting him know that even after such a big achievement, he faced apathy from the government.
Incidentally, Rathore had congratulated the legendary Mary Kom after she won her fifth Asian women's boxing championships gold. Replying to this tweet, Bidhuri asked for answers.
In case you didn’t know
Bidhuri is only the fourth Indian to win a bronze medal at the World Championships. He achieved this feat after losing to USA's Duke Ragan in the bantamweight category (56kg) semi-final.
Heart of the matter
Olympics medallist, Mary Kom who made a return to the ring and clinched a well deserved gold, was the cynosure of all eyes. The fact that she has already made it big in the boxing circuit and become a legendary figure in the country, ensured her the limelight on social media.
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old Bidhuri was not even felicitated for his feat neither was he assured of any financial support. This forced the boxer to take the help of Twitter and make Rathore understand about his current state.
What’s next?
Rathore has been very active ever since he was handed the charge of the Ministry of Youth Affaris and Sports. Being a former sportsperson himself, he understands what problems one has to go through, before being recognised in India. Now it remains to be seen how he reacts to the boxer’s plea and ensures that the talented lad isn’t too demoralised.
Author’s take
It’s a shame that a boxer, who has won a medal in one of the biggest events of boxing, has to beg for basic amenities. Raw talents need to be given total support to turn them into world-beaters. If the Sports Ministry doesn’t buckle up quickly, India will only lose yet another medal prospect.
