Yogesh Kathuniya Claims Conspiracy Behind Khel Ratna Exclusion
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Synopsis
Yogesh Kathuniya, a two-time Paralympic silver medallist, has taken legal action against his exclusion from the Khel Ratna Awardees for 2024, alleging that the announcement timing was deliberately set to hinder his response. He seeks justice for what he claims is a discriminatory award process.
Key Takeaways
- Yogesh Kathuniya claims a planned exclusion from Khel Ratna.
- He has filed an appeal with the Delhi High Court.
- The timing of the award announcement coincided with court closures.
- He raises concerns about discrimination in award distribution.
- Kathuniya is focused on upcoming Para-Athletics World Championships.
New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) In reflecting upon his choice to seek legal action regarding his omission from the 2024 Khel Ratna Award list, Yogesh Kathuniya, a two-time Paralympic silver medallist, has asserted that the National Sports Awards announcement made on January 2 was intentionally timed to coincide with a period when the courts were closed. He alleges that this strategy was designed to inhibit his ability to take any legal measures.
The Paris Paralympics 2024 silver medallist, who previously received the Arjuna Award for his silver medal in the men’s discus throw F56 event at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, has approached the Delhi High Court to contest his exclusion from the list of candidates for the prestigious Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award for 2024.
On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court instructed the central government selection committee to reevaluate his candidacy for the esteemed Khel Ratna Award.
In an interview with IANS, Kathuniya expressed his disappointment over the lack of nomination for this coveted award, stating, "I had to go to court because we were waiting for the final list to see if they would acknowledge their mistakes. However, they still did not take it into account. These matters are overseen by SAI. We even contested the decision based on the highest aggregate points, as per the rules. Everything is clearly detailed, including the points associated with the Paralympics and World Championships.
"Despite accumulating all the necessary points and representing India, the recognition we deserve is not being granted. I wanted to avoid regretting inaction, which led me to approach the Delhi High Court. The judge has ordered a reconsideration of my nomination. Now we await their response, which has yet to materialize," he remarked.
Kathuniya further alleges, "The list was disclosed on January 2 to ensure the courts remained inaccessible for a week. All these factors seem premeditated to prevent me from taking action. Hence, I filed an appeal in the High Court on January 7. All of this seems orchestrated, and securing court dates quickly is quite challenging. Nevertheless, the court heard our case."
The 27-year-old para-athlete highlighted that among the four sports figures awarded the Khel Ratna this year, only one is a para-athlete, suggesting a pattern of discrimination in the allocation of sports awards.
In contrast, following India’s remarkable performance at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, shooter Avani Lekhara, javelin thrower Sumit Antil, and shuttler Pramod Bhagat were recognized with the Khel Ratna along with Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra.
"If we do not stand up for our rights, what will the future hold? These issues have caused me to miss training sessions and hinder my progress. I am confident in my worthiness. If I am unworthy, I must inquire—have you noticed the Khel Ratna Awards? There is one Paralympian and three Olympians."
"This discrimination has persisted for years, and it will continue unless someone speaks out. I aim to eliminate this inequity, which is why I sought legal assistance," Kathuniya continued.
When questioned about assistance from the Paralympic Committee of India regarding this matter, Kathuniya responded, "The PCI lacks influence over this; their role is to help us compete and advance. The awards are governed by the Ministry. If I had not taken this step now, who knows who might receive the award in future years? Numerous athletes have obtained the Arjuna Award or Khel Ratna for just one medal."
"A Paralympian must win a medal at the Paralympics to qualify for the Arjuna Award, whereas an Olympian can easily earn the Arjuna Award by performing at the Asian Games. Why does this inequality exist? No one has questioned it," he added.
Reflecting on his upcoming goals, Kathuniya shared that he is setting his sights on the Para-Athletics World Championships, which will take place in New Delhi—marking the first time this event has been hosted in India—from September 26 to October 5. "I will compete in the World Championships, and nothing can hinder my performance," he concluded.
In addition to his two Paralympic medals, Kathuniya is a three-time Para World Championships medallist and won silver at the Asian Para Games 2023 in the F56 category.
