There is Khel Ratna controversy. The committee headed by Michael Ferreira had mentioned Ronjon Singh Sodhi’s name for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and 15 names for Arjuna awards. H. N. Girisha and Krishna Poonia were in the reckoning for Khel Ratna and both were unhappy when their names were not forwarded. Krishna Poonia has said she should get Khel Ratna. She had claimed the process of selection was flawed. She has met sports minister Jitendra Singh. She has the support of Deepinder Singh Hooda, a Congress MP from Haryana. Generally one sportsperson is given Khel Ratna per year but in some years two or more persons were given. The winner gets 7,50,000 rupees.
There is also controversy about Arjuna award. SAI director general claims volleyball player Tom Joseph’s name was in the original list of 16 and committee members deleted the name. Kerala MPs want Arjuna award to Tom Joseph.
When politicians get involved in sports controversies it further complicates matters. Those who do not get awards are disappointed. That happens in any field where awards are given. I have some suggestions.
The government should abolish Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna awards.
There should be different Khel Ratna awards for each sport. The awards should not have cash. The recipients should have represented India. Those who have played or competed in Olympics should have first preference. If the sport in not in Olympics, world championship or Asian Games should be considered.
Archery Khel Ratna may be given to three men and three women per year.
Badminton Khel Ratna may be given to four men and four women per year.
Basketball Khel Ratna may be given to five men and five women per year.
Billiards Khel Ratna may be given to one man and one woman per year.
Chess Khel Ratna may be given to one man and one woman per year.
Cricket Khel Ratna may be given to 11 men and 11 women per year.
Cycling Khel Ratna may be given to one man and one woman per year.
Discus Throw Khel Ratna may be given to one man and one woman per year.
Fencing Khel Ratna may be given to three men and three women per year.
Football Khel Ratna may be given to 11 men and 11 women per year.
Golf Khel Ratna may be given to one man and one woman per year.
Hammer Throw Khel Ratna may be given to one man and one woman per year.
High Jump Khel Ratna may be given to one man and one woman per year.
Hockey Khel Ratna may be given to 11 men and 11 women per year.
Javelin Throw Khel Ratna may be given to one man and one woman per year.
Kabaddi Khel Ratna may be given to seven men and seven women per year.
Long Jump Khel Ratna may be given to one man and one woman per year.
Pole Vault Khel Ratna may be given to one man and one woman per year.
Rugby Khel Ratna may be given to 15 men and 15 women per year.
Shot Put Khel Ratna may be given to one man and one woman per year.
Snooker Khel Ratna may be given to one man and one woman per year.
Table Tennis Khel Ratna may be given to four men and four women per year.
Tennis Khel Ratna may be given to four men and four women per year.
Triple Jump Khel Ratna may be given to one man and one woman per year.
Volleyball Khel Ratna may be given to six men and six women per year.
Water Polo Khel Ratna may be given to seven men and seven women per year.
Similarly there should be Khel Ratnas for various running events from 100 metres to marathon, hurdles, heptathlon, decathlon, shooting, swimming and other events.
