Tejaswin Shankar Voices Frustration Over National Sports Awards Delay
Asian Games silver medallist and decathlon athlete Tejaswin Shankar has publicly expressed his concerns regarding the significant delay in announcing the National Sports Awards. In a strongly worded statement, Shankar has questioned the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for holding up the entire process, which he describes as demotivating and disrespectful to athletes and coaches nationwide.
Ministry Conducts Additional Review of Award Recommendations
According to a detailed report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the ministry is currently carrying out another comprehensive round of checks to potentially remove names it considers unfit for the prestigious awards. This unexpected review has left numerous athletes in a state of uncertainty and prolonged waiting. The selection committee had formally submitted its final list nearly four months ago, in December, but the ministry has inexplicably paused the official announcement.
Athletes have widely criticized this move, arguing that it significantly weakens the established role and authority of the independent selection committee. Furthermore, it places undue pressure on athletes who have already met and exceeded the stringent criteria set forth for these honors.
Committee Work Completed, Yet Announcement Remains Pending
The selection committee had diligently completed its extensive work after the nomination process, which notably started later than usual this cycle. However, despite this completion, the final list remains unpublished as the ministry undertakes a thorough re-evaluation of all recommendations.
"This should have been thought of 'before' the unofficial recommended names came out in December. Not 4 months 'after'. This delay is not just demotivating to athletes and coaches but also a clear sign of disrespect," Tejaswin Shankar stated emphatically in a post on the social media platform X.
Ministry Defends Review to Protect Award Prestige
Sources within the ministry have defended the ongoing review, stating it is necessary to protect the intrinsic value and prestige of the National Sports Awards. "The list of Arjuna award recommendations is being re-evaluated right now. The value of these awards should not get diminished, that's the primary goal. It shouldn't be the case that we have Arjuna awardees in every nook and corner but when you ask them about their concrete accomplishments, there is nothing substantial to show," a ministry source was quoted as saying by PTI.
The ministry also advocates for the implementation of a fixed, points-based system to ensure only truly eligible athletes are selected, potentially eliminating the need for a traditional selection panel in the future. "It's analogous to prize money distribution; if you have won an Olympic medal, you shouldn't have to fill out a form to receive your Rs 75 lakh prize money. The system should automatically know and transfer the funds. Similarly, an athlete who has demonstrably achieved the requisite criteria shouldn't have to be evaluated again by a panel," the source elaborated.
Background on National Sports Awards and Recent Changes
The National Sports Awards are traditionally conferred on August 29, which marks the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, by the President of India. In recent years, this schedule has experienced alterations due to various timing issues and delays in the nomination process itself.
The prestigious Khel Ratna, recognized as the country’s highest sports honor, includes a medallion, an official citation, and a substantial cash prize of Rs 25 lakh. The esteemed Arjuna Award, another major recognition, carries a significant prize of Rs 15 lakh for the recipients.
