The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Saturday rejected the nominations of Indian sprinter Dutee Chand and cricketer Harbhajan Singh for Arjuna and Khel Ratna awards respectively. Regarding the same, the veteran off-spinner asked the government to look into the matter.
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According to a report on ANI, the nominations got rejected because the various state governments missed their deadlines. Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh’s application was rejected as the Punjab government missed the 30 April deadline, only to file his nomination two months later.
I come to know through media:
Now, the 39-year-old has posted an emotional video while pleading to the Sports Minister of Punjab, Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi, to look into the matter as the legendary off-spinner claimed that he had submitted all documents on time.
“I have come to know from the media that my nomination filed by the Punjab government for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna has been declined by the Centre with the reason being that the papers arrived quite late. I’ve learned that due to this delay, I won’t be getting the award this year,” said Harbhajan.
I submitted forms on time – Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan has requested the Punjab government to look into the matter of delay in his nomination for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. The prestigious award is the highest Indian sports honour for any athlete in the country.
“I would like to plead the Sports Minister of the Punjab Government to start an inquiry into the matter as to why and how the delay occurred. Because, as far as I can remember, I had got the forms submitted into his office by March 20. But still it got delayed. If it had been on time, I could’ve won the award this year,” Harbhajan said.
The award is an encouragement:
Harbhajan Singh said that he came to know that his nomination was declined due to the papers arriving late and as a result, he won’t be considered for the prestigious award this year.
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“For every sportsperson, it’s encouragement if his performances are recognised via awards. If such delays continue to happen, a number of players might get left behind. This is not right at some level. I hope that the Minister concerned will definitely act on this. And, hopefully, forward my nomination once again to the Centre,” the veteran Indian spinner concluded.
Well, it would be interesting to see how the Punjab Government looks into the matter. Most probably, the concerned officer would get punished for not sending the documents on time.