The Delhi High Court has directed the Selection Committee to re-evaluate Yogesh Kathuniya’s application for the Khel Ratna award. The court emphasized the need for fresh scrutiny to ensure a fair decision. Kathuniya, a distinguished Paralympian, seeks recognition under the prestigious scheme. The committee has been asked to act in accordance with the award’s guidelines.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court instructed the Central government’s selection committee to reconsider the potential conferral of the Khel Ratna Award to paralympic athlete Yogesh Kathuniya.
Kathuniya, who previously received the Arjuna award for winning a silver medal in men’s discus throw at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, had filed a petition challenging his exclusion from the 2024 Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award recipient list.
During the hearing, Justice Sachin Datta initially raised questions about the court’s authority in such matters.
He asked,
“How can a writ be issued to direct the conferral of the Khel Ratna Award?”
Advocate Nitin Yadav, representing Kathuniya, cited a previous High Court ruling to support the argument that such a direction could be issued.
Ultimately, the court instructed the Selection Committee to reevaluate Kathuniya’s application and make an appropriate decision in line with the Khel Ratna awards scheme.
Noting that the Khel Ratna award ceremony is scheduled for January 17, the court added,
“If he (Kathuniya) is found to be eligible, then the requisite steps shall be taken to confer the Khel Ratna award to him.”
Kathuniya’s petition highlighted that the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports invited applications for the award based on recommendations from the Khel Ratna Selection Committee. He applied for the award, but his name did not appear on the list of awardees released by the Ministry earlier this month.
As mentioned in his petition to the High Court, The athlete expressed concern over this outcome, stating,
“It is noteworthy that the petitioner (Kathuniya), despite being the highest marks scorer for the awards in accordance with the scheme, has not been conferred with the award in a most unjust and arbitrary manner,”
Kathuniya further contended that, given his past performance and achievements, he deserved consideration for the award, having scored the highest marks.
Paralympian Yogesh Kathuniya is a talented Indian athlete known for his achievements in discus throw. He became widely recognized after winning a silver medal in the F52 category at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Despite facing challenges from Guillain-Barré syndrome, which caused paralysis at a young age, Kathuniya showed great strength and determination to excel in sports.
He has performed well in both national and international para-athletics events, earning respect for his hard work and dedication. His journey is a true example of perseverance and makes him a role model in India’s sports community.
The Khel Ratna Award, now officially called the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, is the highest sporting honor in India. It is presented annually by the Government of India to recognize outstanding achievements by sportspersons in the field of sports and games. The Khel Ratna celebrates excellence and inspires athletes to achieve greater success in their sporting careers.