Paralympics gold medallist Harvinder alleges discrimination in sports awards

Paris Paralympics gold medal-winning archer Harvinder Singh alleged "discrimination" in the distribution of sports awards on Tuesday.

He questioned why the same norm, followed after the Tokyo Paralympics by awarding the Khel Ratna to para-athletes, was not applied this time to the seven gold medallists from the Paris Paralympics.

Harvinder, who won a bronze medal in the Tokyo Paralympics, won his maiden Paralympics gold medal after beating Lukasz Ciszek of Poland in the final 6-0.

"Discrimination in sports," Singh wrote on X.

"Tokyo 2020 Paralympic gold medallists were awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, but what about Paris 2024 Paralympic Gold medalists? Same competition, same gold, same pride - why not the same award?" he asked.

After the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, shooter Avani Lekhara, javelin thrower Sumit Antil and shuttler Pramod Bhagat won the Khel Ratna along with Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra.

National coach Jiwanjot raises voice for Harvinder

National archery coach and Dronacharya awardee Jiwanjot Singh Teja came out in support of Harvinder.

"In the year 2021, all Olympic medal winners and Paralympic gold medal winners were honoured with the Khel Ratna, and it is truly inspiring to see the government continue to recognize the immense contributions of our athletes," national archery coach and Dronacharya awardee Jiwanjot Singh Teja stated in a joint statement posted on X.

"However, I understand that the policy may have now changed, which brings me to request your kind attention towards Mr. Harvinder Singh's exceptional achievements," Jiwanjot said.

Listing the achievements of his ward, Jiwanjot said: "Mr. Harvinder Singh won 1st ever individual gold medal at the Paris Paralympics, along with a 4th-place finish in the recurve mixed team event. His historic feat of winning India's first-ever individual bronze medal at the 2021 Paralympics has already placed him among the country's elite athletes.

"Additionally, he is the only archer to have won gold at the 2018 Para Asian Games and a bronze at the 2022 edition. These accomplishments highlight not only his dedication and talent but also the pride he has brought to India in the field of para-sports.

"I kindly request that you consider Mr. Harvinder Singh for the Khel Ratna Award, as recognizing his efforts will undoubtedly inspire countless other athletes and further enhance India's standing in the international sports community."