Finally, pugilist Manoj Kumar will be bestowed the Arjuna Award as the Sports Ministry has accepted his nomination for the coveted award.
“Mr Onkar Kedia, Joint Secretary (sports), informed my brother Rajesh of the development last evening. But the information reached me only this morning,” said Manoj.
Earlier, the pugilist was denied the prestigious Arjuna Award by the Kapil Dev-led committee. And feeling ‘insulted’ Manoj went to the Sports Ministry officials, who, he said, had assured him that his name would be added to a list of 15 athletes in a review meeting.
But after being snubbed for a second time in the review meeting, Manoj challenged the decision in the High Court.
“It is not pleasant at all that I had to approach the court but there was no option left for me. I am glad that I have been proved right and it has lifted my morale ahead for the Asian Games,” said Manoj, who would be competing in the upcoming Asian Games in Incheon.
“I am thankful to my elder brother Rajesh, who fought alone for me against a system which was bent on proving us wrong. It is sad that I had to fight like this for something that was rightfully mine,” he added.
The ministry, represented by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain, had admitted in the court that Manoj was initially not considered for the award by the committee as they mistakenly believed that he was involved in a doping case.
