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Kohli gets Khel Ratna despite getting 0 points

Virat Kohli is among the athletes who will receive the prestigious Khel Ratna Award on Tuesday, September 25, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi despite getting 0 points. He will receive the award after missing out on 2016 and 2017. However, Bajrang Punia who won wrestling gold for India at the Commonwealth Games 2018 and Asian Games 2018 missed out despite scoring 80 points.

Weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu earned 44 points and was also on the list whereas Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, who both got 80 missed out.

Speaking to TOI, Punia said: "I want to ask them (committee members) a simple question: 'what's the use of having a points system in place when you don't adhere to it". If the members want to ignore my credentials despite it being amply visible that Vinesh and I have accumulated the maximum points, then what option do I have other than moving court?"

"I have immense respect for Kohli and Mirabai. They are two champion sportpersons, but if I look at my credentials and that of Mirabai, there is no comparison. You gave her the award, give it to me as well, it's simple," he added.