Wrestler Bajrang threatens to move court after Khel Ratna snub, to meet Sports Minister tomorrow

Miffed at being ignored for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, star wrestler Bajrang Punia Thursday threatened to take the legal action against the government for not considering him for the country' highest sporting honour.

Bajrang was nominated for the Khel Ratna by the Wrestling Federation of India following his twin gold medals at this year's Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and Jakarta Asian Games.

But the government jointly bestowed the honour to India cricket captain Virat Kohli and world champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu (48kg).

The decision didn't go down well with Bajrang, who also won a bronze medal in 2013 World Championships, and the wrestler is scheduled to meet Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore tomorrow to plead his case.

"I'm really disappointed and shocked. I'm meeting Sports Minister tomorrow after (mentor) Yogi bhai (Yogeshwar Dutt) spoke to him and arranged the meeting. I just want to know why I was being ignored. I want to know the reason," Bajrang told reporters here.

"It's in his hands now. I want to know whether I am deserving or not. If I deserve then only give me the award."
"One doesn't feel good to beg for an award but it is the biggest honour for any sportsperson and a wrestler's career is very uncertain. Anytime an injury can end your career."