September 22,2018:

Wrestler Bajrang Punia is now unlikely to move Court against Sports Ministry’s decision to ignore him for prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award after his mentor Yogeshwar Dutt advised him to rather concentrate on his preparation for next month’s World Championships.Bajrang Punia met Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who had assured that his case will be considered.

24-year-old wrestler, who won gold at Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, had stated that if he doesn’t get a favourable reply from the Sports Minister, he will be forced to knock the doors of court to get justice.

But with Sports Ministry unlikely bow down to his pressure, Yogeshwar stated that he has advised Bajrang to move forward and concentrate on his preparation for the World Championships.

Punia's Mentor Yogeshwar Dutt stated that,“It was injustice to Bajrang as he deserved the Khel Ratna this year. We met the Sports Minister and he said he will talk to the selection committee. But I have advised Bajrang against going to the court as it will hamper his World Championship preparations".

Source in Sports Ministry stated that Rathore is unlikely to make a last minute addition to the list.

Hurt by the snub, Bajrang had earlier threatened to approach Court as he feels he too deserved the award.

Besides gold medals at Gold Coast and Jakarta, Bajrang had won silver medals in the 2014 editions of the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

He also has a 2013 World Championship bronze medal to his credit. But it did not come into consideration as the points system for giving away the award was introduced only in 2014.

Source HT

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