Railways Employee Jonty Kumar Honored with Uttar Pradesh's Top Sports Award
In a proud moment for Indian Railways and the nation, international wrestler Jonty Kumar has been conferred with the prestigious 'Laxman Award', the highest sports honor bestowed by the Uttar Pradesh government. The award ceremony took place in Lucknow on Tuesday, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented the accolade during a grand event.
Dedicated Service and Sporting Excellence
Jonty Kumar, who currently serves as a Commercial-cum-Ticket Clerk (CCTC) in the Jhansi division of the North Central Railway (NCR), was recognized for his outstanding contributions to wrestling at both national and international levels. Along with the award, he received a cash prize and a citation certificate, celebrating his remarkable journey in the sport.
According to Shashikant Tripathi, the chief public relations officer of NCR, Jonty Kumar's consistent excellence and unwavering dedication have established him as a prominent figure in Indian wrestling. He is associated with Delhi's renowned Hanuman Akhara, where he has honed his skills and built an impressive track record over the years.
A Stellar Wrestling Career
Jonty Kumar's achievements are a testament to his prowess on the mat. His accolades include:
- Winning the 'Bharat Kesari' title four times
- Securing the 'UP Kesari' title three times
- Earning the 'Bharat Kumar' title twice
He has also clinched multiple gold medals in major tournaments, such as:
- National Games
- Senior Federation Cup
- Senior National Wrestling Championship
- Under-23 National Championship
- Asian Wrestling Championship
Furthermore, Jonty Kumar has represented India at prestigious international events, including the senior world wrestling championship and the senior Asian wrestling championship, showcasing his talent on global platforms.
Recognition and Congratulations
Notably, this is not the first time Jonty Kumar has been honored by the Uttar Pradesh government. He has previously been felicitated three times by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his victories in the 'UP Kesari' competitions, highlighting his sustained excellence.
Following the award presentation, NCR General Manager Naresh Pal Singh and the NCR sports association extended their heartfelt congratulations to Jonty Kumar, praising his dual role as a dedicated railway employee and a celebrated athlete. This recognition underscores the synergy between professional service and sporting achievement, inspiring many across the country.
