Bajrang Punia unlikely to move court after mentor Yogeshwar Dutt's timely advise

Star wrestler Bajrang Punia is likely to back down from his stance of going to court against Sports Ministry's decision to igre him for prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award after his mentor Yogeshwar Dutt vised him to rar concentrate on his preparation for next month's World Championships. Snubbed for country's highest sporting hour, Bajrang on Thursday met Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who h assured that his case will be considered.

24-year-old wrestler, who won gold at Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, h said if he doesn't get a favourable reply from Sports Minister, he will be forced to kck doors of court to get justice. But with Sports Ministry unlikely bow down to his pressure, Yogeshwar said he has vised Bajrang to move forward and concentrate on his preparation for World Championships.

"It was injustice to Bajrang as he deserved Khel Ratna this year. We met Sports Minister yesterday and he said he will talk to selection committee. But I have vised Bajrang against going to court as it will hamper his World Championship preparations," Yogeshwar told PTI.

Olympic medallist Yogeshwar accompanied Bajrang during yesterday's meeting with Rathore. A source in Sports Ministry too said that Rathore is unlikely to make a last minute dition to list.

" Minister met Bajrang and wanted to kw his grievances. He explained to Bajrang why his name was t considered. Even though he has promised Bajrang to look into matter, it is unlikely that any changes will be me," source told PTI.  

Hurt by snub, Bajrang h threatened to move court as he feels he too deserved award. "I was supposed to meet Minister today but suddenly we got a call last evening for meeting. I asked Minister about reason for t considering me for Khel Ratna. He said I didn't have eugh points which is wrong. I have garnered more points than two (Virat Kohli and Mirabai Chanu) who were minated," Bajrang said.

"I have been wronged. I want justice. Minister said he will look into matter but re is hardly any time left for award function. If I don't get a favourable reply by evening I will move court," he h ded.

RE: "Why Deny Me A Khel Ratna?"; Bajrang Punia Threatens To Move Court

Besides gold medals at Gold Coast and Jakarta, Bajrang h won silver medals in 2014 editions of Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. He also has a 2013 World Championship bronze medal to his credit. But it did t come into consideration as points system for giving away award was introduced only in 2014.

Besides, as per terms of reference for selection committee, it "may t mechanically recommend Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna to recipient of highest marks across disciplines."

"But in a particular sport discipline, award will be recommended only for recipient of highest aggregate marks." In a departure from trition, National Sports Awards will be given away on September 25 this year inste of August 29, birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, because of clash of dates with Asian Games which ended earlier this month