Yogesh Kathuniya Plans to Approach High Court for Explanation on Khel Ratna Award Eligibility

New Delhi, Dec 28 (NationPress) Two-time Paralympic medallist Yogesh Kathuniya has declared his intention to approach the High Court in order to obtain a written explanation from the Sports Ministry regarding his exclusion from the Khel Ratna Award, despite satisfying all the eligibility criteria for this esteemed recognition. The para discus thrower, who has secured silver medals at the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics, is expressing frustration over the lack of nomination for the Khel Ratna Award.

"This is an issue pertaining to the Sports Ministry, but they have yet to reach out to me. It is evident that there is favouritism at play, as athletes with better public relations are being awarded. They tend to disregard athletes like myself. Such treatment is truly disheartening for someone who has dedicated eight years of his life to representing the country. Even though I compete for personal success, I am ultimately representing India. My defeats reflect on India, just as my victories do," Kathuniya stated in an interview with IANS on Saturday.

Having received the Arjuna Award from President Ram Nath Kovind in November 2021, Kathuniya is determined to escalate the matter legally to seek clarity from the Sports Ministry on why he was overlooked.

"I will not wait for the next year; I plan to take this to the High Court and file a case. I possess the highest aggregate points and demand a written explanation as to why I am not being awarded it," Kathuniya added.

The 27-year-old has previously voiced his dissatisfaction on social media, questioning the criteria used for granting the Khel Ratna to athletes.

To date, Kathuniya has earned six international medals, including two silvers at the Paralympics, two silvers and a bronze at the Para-athletics World Championships, and a silver at the Asian Para Games. He is baffled by the lack of acknowledgment for his accomplishments.

"I want to express my feelings about not seeing my name on the awards list. Many individuals have received the Khel Ratna long ago despite possessing fewer points. I have been consistently applying for the past 2-3 years. I hold three medals from the World Championships, one from the Asian Games, and one medal each from the Paris Paralympics and Tokyo Paralympics. Based on this, my points should certainly be substantial," he noted in a video shared on X earlier this week.