Punjab athletes threaten to return medals due to state apathy

Visually impaired athletes Gurpreet Singh, Rajinder Singh, Vivek Monga and Balwinder Singh kept their promises and won medals for their country. But Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amrinder Singh is yet to honour promises that he made to them.

Before leaving for the athletics meet at Manchester (UK) in June, Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amrinder Singh assured the four that all their expenses would be refunded by the state government. However, months later the athletes have still not received any money.

As a mark of protest, the athletes have expressed their wish to return the medals, which they won at the British Open Athletics Meet.

The athletes tried meeting the C.M. but did not succeed. “The C.M. must have forgotten,” that’s all Mr. Amarjit Verma, one of C.M.’s personal secretary had to offer in consolation.

They have submitted a memorandum of demands to the Director Social Welfare, S.R. Ladhar. Their demands include the creation of a fund for disabled athletes to facilitate participation in major tournaments, recognition for disabled sports etc. The group also met Sohan Lal Lotey, Assistant Director Sports, Punjab who promised them all possible assistance.

The athletes have to leave for Germany to take part in yet another athlete meet soon. The Paralympic Committee of India has lent them money and they are confident that they will do India proud once again.