"Why deny me a Khel Ratna?"; Bajrang Punia threatens to move Court

Crying foul and threatening to move to Court over t being recommended for Khel Ratna are neir awe-inspiring r a graceful gesture by any stretch of imagination. But its also a pity that ambiguous criteria and undefined rules have yet again resulted in heart burns and anguish among some of greats of Indian sports.

Bajrang Punia is perhaps third biggest name after Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt, and currently best and most successful Indian wrestler. And he raised some very pertinent questions.

"Why am I denied Khel Ratna? I have got maximum international medals including gold for my country in last two years. or Indian has won back to back CWG gold medals (2014 & 2018) with an Asian Games gold this year. I have a World Championship bronze as well. So I fulfill all criteria to be chosen or recommended for Khel Ratna. So why am I denied? I deserve this award like Virat Kohli & Mirabai Chanu," Bajrang Punia told Republic TV in an exclusive interview before holding press conference in national capital on Thursday.

Indeed, Bajrang's arguments weigh in gold and its hightime that selection committee come out with reasons for denying him Khel Ratna. "I am forced to come out like this. I understand this doesn't look good. But I am t begging. I am t stealing or's award. I am asking for what I deserve," Bajrang explained.

Interestingly Bajrang's "Guru" Yogeshwar Dutt who is supporting him in his fight for justice, chose to abstain press conference. Bajrang w plans to meet Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Friday and n based on its outcome decide when to move court against committee's decision.

Begging for an award or rar demanding it with a threat to go court may t be appreciated in some quarters but Ministry will do well to avoid a situation like this by laying down a fully defined set criteria for conferring highest sports award.

RE: Kohli, Chanu To Receive Khel Ratna On September 25: Sports Ministry

Earlier, Arjuna award winner Manika Batra also spoke to Republic TV, lashing out at critics who are questioning her. "I am t bored about who is saying what. If y chose to igre my achievements at this year's CWG, n what can I say? I am happy that those who matter (Arjuna Awards Committee) found merit in my performance and I am grateful to m," CWG champion said.