Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal defends selection policy for National Awards

Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday said there was no need to review the selection policy for the National Sports Awards. Paralympian H.N. Girisha moved a Bangalore court against Sania Mirza being conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna while wrestling coach Vinod Kumar moved Delhi High Court against Anup Kumar Dahiya being given Dronacharya award. When asked about the controversies, Mr. Sonowal defended all the decisions taken by the selection panel. [caption id=“attachment_2391348” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File picture of Sarbananda Sonowal. Image courtesy PIB[/caption] “I believe everybody in this country has the democratic right to ask why [I didn’t get the award]. But our selection panel did a very fair and transparent job and I don’t see any reason to review the selection process,” Mr. Sonowal told reporters. He expressed confidence that India’s Olympic preparation is going on in right earnest and the contingent will better its performance from six medals at the London Games. “Everyone knows that we have created the TOPS [Target Olympic Podium Scheme]. We have identified potential medal winners and we hope they will perform well,” said the Sports Minister. Mr. Sonowal also didn’t read too much into the dismal performance of the Indian athletics contingent at the World Championship. “They have tried their best and they will certainly do better. I have confidence in them,” he said. He also congratulated the women’s hockey team for qualifying for the Olympics after a gap of 36 years. “It is a great achievement for the Indian women’s hockey team to have qualified for the Rio Olympics. This will be a great morale booster for the team. I am proud of their achievement,” the Minister said. PTI