Harvinder Singh makes 'discrimination' claim after Paris Paralympics gold medallist snubbed from Khel Ratna award

Indian para-archer Harvinder Singh has alleged "discrimination" in sports awards after the Paris Paralympics gold medallist was snubbed from the list of players nominated for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award. Harvinder questioned why Tokyo Paralympics medallists were being nominated for Khel Ratna award and not the Paris Paralympics medallists.

"Discrimination in sports” Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Gold medalists were awarded by Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, but what about Paris 2024 Paralympic Gold medalists? Same Competition, Same Gold, same pride, why not same award," Harvinder wrote on "X", while also tagging the official handle of Prime Minister of India's office.

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Harvinder, a bronze medallist in Tokyo, won his maiden Paralympic gold after beating Poland's Lukasz Ciszek in the men's individual recurve open final earlier this year. Avai Lekhara, Sumit Antil and Pramnod Bhagat, all of whom won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, were conferred with their Khel Rahna award for their performances.

"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," Jiwanjot Singh Teja, the Indian team's archery coach 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," he added.

Jiwanjot recalled the achievements of Harvinder Singh. "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,' he added.

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, had also claimed that she was snubbed from the nominees list for the Khel Ratna award. While the Sports Ministry said that she had not applied for the award, Bhaker and her family said otherwise, stating that she had applied. Bhaker later admitted that there may have been a lapse from her end while filing the nomination.