International Athletes Seek Help for Unfulfilled Prize Money Promises

International medal-winning athletes from Haryana have come forward with their grievances about unpaid prize money. These sportspersons met with Jaihind Sena chief Naveen Jaihind at his tent in Sector 6, Rohtak, to discuss their problems and seek help. 

The athletes explained that they haven't received the prize money promised to them by the government for their achievements. Some of them had even met with the Chief Minister, who assured them that their issues would be resolved. However, according to the athletes, the Director of the Sports Department is not following the government's policy and is denying them their rightful rewards. 

One of the athletes, Kapil, who won a silver medal in the 2022 World Championship and a bronze in 2021, shared his story. As the only athlete from North India in his category, he was supposed to receive 75 lakh rupees and 50 lakh rupees according to the policy. Similarly, Gurvinder, who won a gold medal for the state, was due to receive 3 lakh rupees, and Simmi, a female athlete who ran 400 meters in the World Championship, was to get 7 lakh rupees. None of them have received their promised rewards.

Kapil, who has been representing India for six years and is part of Neeraj Chopra's team, also mentioned that athletes typically receive only 75% of the promised reward money, and this is happening to all athletes, not just a few.

Naveen Jaihind, responding to these concerns, questioned whether the Sports Department Director, Rajendra Gupta, considers himself above the Chief Minister by not listening to the athletes' problems. He criticized politicians who make grand announcements on social media when athletes win medals but fail to follow through with support. 

Jaihind called upon Neeraj Chopra, referred to as the "Golden Boy," to stand with his fellow athletes and help them get their dues. He also appealed to the government to resolve this issue quickly, warning that if no action is taken, he and his supporters will raise their voices in their own way to support the athletes. 

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes in Haryana, despite the state's reputation for producing world-class sportspersons. The lack of timely rewards and support from the government can significantly impact the morale and financial stability of these athletes who bring glory to the state and country.