Past recipients say Arjuna award is devalued and made cheap

new delhi — Former recipients of the Arjuna award on Tuesday lamented that its dignity has been lowered and the government is now “throwing” the honour away.

Former India hockey captain Ashok Singh, who is the son of legendary Dhyanchand, legendary middle-distance runner Sriram Singh Shekhawat, who holds the national record of 1:45.77 in 800m since 1976, and former India volleyball skipper Suresh Mishra all voiced the same sentiment.

“The dignity has to be maintained.

Why do you need to give Arjuna every year. Is it necessary? Ashok Singh

Why do you need to give Arjuna every year. Is it necessary? We are now throwing the awards away,” Ashok told PTI.

“They (government) have set their own parameters. The value attached with the award should be increased. There should be a cap that only Asiad and Olympic medal winners should be selected for the Arjuna honour,” Ashok, member of 1975 World Cup winning Indian team, said.

Ashok, himself a 1974 Arjuna awardee, also denounced the current procedure, where athletes have to send application to be considered for the honour.

“You can’t beg for award or demand it. Why should I blow my own trumpet that I have achieved something. When someone goes out for competition, it happens with the permission of the government. They know the achievements so it should be the government which should pick athletes rather than players sending applications,” he said.

India’s ace squash player Saurav Ghosal also felt the same.

“I think the concept of recommending or nominating someone for the awards is flawed. It just doesn’t sound right that player needs to be recommended or needs to apply for the award. The committee should pick the winners on their own on the basis of performances. Applying for the awards is like asking for a grant,” the 2006 Arjuna awardee said.—