“Why am I being ignored”, Poonam Rani after Arjuna Award snub


“Why am I being ignored”, Poonam Rani after Arjuna Award snub

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Indian hockey star Poonam Rani has been among one of the best players to have played for the country. And after being ignored for the Arjuna Award, Rani expressed her dismay. 

She told ANI, “I am trying for the Arjuna Award for the last three years. All of my fellow players have received it but I am being ignored. I feel bad because I am also one of the players who work hard and perform for the country. If I don’t have an approach, it doesn’t mean I can’t be conferred with Arjuna Award.” 

As many as 27 sportspersons were chosen for the Arjuna Award this year. Poonam’s captain Rai Rampal was announced as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awardee. Alongside her teammates Deepika and Akashdeep Singh who are among the 27 winners of Arjuna Award. Poonam felt that the Retired Justice Mukundakam Sharma led-committee did not have a fair and square selection process. She also stated that there is favouritism among the ones which are chosen. 

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To precise Poonam said, “I think that there is favouritism and the committee is not playing fair because, for the past three years, my name is being ignored. Getting a medal in a team game is not an easy task. The players who have got the award, I am happy for them but the committee should have recommended other deserving players as well.” 

Lastly Poonam stated that the number of awards in team games should be increased so that good players can also receive the awards. After all she has also represented the country in several major tournaments. Therefore, she just couldn’t understand the reason why she was overlooked for the National Award Selection list. 

Also Read: Manika Batra honoured to receive Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award