Khel ratan

President Ram Nath Kovind: Two-time Paralympic medallist Yogesh Kathuniya said he will move to the High Court to seek a written reply from the Sports Ministry as to why he was not eligible for the Khel Ratna Award despite meeting the criteria for the prestigious accolade. The para discus thrower, who won silver medals at the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics, is frustrated over not being nominated for the Khel Ratna Award.

"It is the matter with the Sports Ministry but they've not approached me so far. It is clear favouritism, players whose PR is good to get the award. They overlook players like us. This kind of behaviour is disheartening for an athlete who has given eight years of his life to the country. Even if I'm playing for myself but I'm representing India. If I lose, India will lose and if I win, India will win," Kathuniya told IANS on Saturday.

Kathuniya, who received the Arjuna Award from President Ram Nath Kovind in November 2021, has made up his mind to take the matter to court to seek clarification from the Sports Ministry behind his omission.