Delhi High Court Intervenes Yogesh Kathuniya Fight for Khel Ratna

The Delhi High Court has directed the Sports Ministry’s selection committee to re-evaluate the candidacy of Yogesh Kathuniya, a two-time Paralympic silver medallist, for the prestigious Khel Ratna Award. Kathuniya, who won silver medals at both the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics, had previously expressed his disappointment after his name was not included among the nominees for the award.

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The rulings

In a ruling on Thursday, Justice Sachin Datta instructed the selection committee to reassess Kathuniya’s achievements and credentials. The court clarified that if Kathuniya meets the required criteria, he should be conferred with the Khel Ratna Award. Kathuniya’s legal challenge highlighted his concern that despite his impressive track record, his contributions to Indian sports were overlooked.

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The para-athlete, who has amassed six international medals—including two Paralympic silver medals, two silver and one bronze at the Para-athletics World Championships, and a silver at the Asian Para Games—questioned why other athletes with lesser accomplishments were receiving the award ahead of him. In a video shared on social media, Kathuniya pointed out that his consistent performances should have earned him more recognition, emphasizing that his points were high enough to warrant consideration.

About Kathuniya

Kathuniya, who was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2021, raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the selection process.

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He voiced his frustration over the apparent bias in awarding athletes with stronger public relations, while athletes like him, who had delivered results on the global stage, were overlooked.

Kathuniya revealed that the Sports Ministry had not reached out to him with any explanation, describing the situation as “disheartening” for someone who has dedicated years to representing India.

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The court’s intervention now requires the selection committee to review Kathuniya’s case thoroughly. This development has sparked conversations about the need for a fairer and more transparent recognition system for athletes, ensuring that consistent performers are acknowledged for their contributions to the country. 

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