Asian Games silver medalist decathlon athlete Tejaswin Shankar has expressed disappointment towards the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for delaying the announcement of the National Sports Awards. The ministry had initially called for applications for various awards last year, but the process has faced delays.
A list of 24 names, including Tejaswin’s for the Arjuna Award, was proposed to the sports ministry after a selection committee meeting in December. However, the process has been paused for re-evaluation, causing frustration among athletes who had already met the requirements.
The ministry sources have stated that preparations for the National Sports Awards program are ongoing, with a re-evaluation of the list of athletes causing the delay. Athletes have raised concerns that this delay and re-evaluation are adding unnecessary pressure on those who have already qualified for the awards.
Tejaswin Shankar took to social media to express his views, stating that the delay not only demotivates athletes and coaches but also shows a lack of respect towards them. The awards ceremony is typically scheduled for August 29, the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, as per the latest scheme.
