Para champion’s plea goes unheard: World No. 3 armwrestler from CG yet to receive state recognition

Raipur: Chhattisgarh’s Para Armwrestler Shrimant Jha, who is at the top spot in Asia and number 3 in the world, has formally requested the Chhattisgarh govt to consider him for the prestigious Shahid Rajiv Pandey Sports Award. Despite his remarkable achievements, including 13 national medals and an astounding 48 international medals, Jha has not yet been deemed eligible for this esteemed state recognition.
“Currently, I am the Asia No.1 and World No.3 Para Armwrestler. In my pursuit of the award, I have repeatedly submitted applications to the Directorate of Sports and Youth Welfare Chhattisgarh, the Secretary, and the Chief Minister's Office. However, I am yet to receive any assurance regarding the state award. Earlier also, I had written to the state govt,” Jha told TOI.
The Department of Sports and Youth Welfare has not considered him for any award, citing the reason that Para Armwrestling is not affiliated with the state sports department, Jha said. Jha added that he remains optimistic that the Directorate of Sports and Youth Welfare, the Secretary, and the chief minister of Chhattisgarh will acknowledge his achievements and grant his request this time. He stands as the athlete from Chhattisgarh with the highest number of international medals to date, he said.
Jha further highlighted that although Para Armwrestling may not be affiliated in all states, govts in other regions, such as Mizoram, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, and Karnataka, have recognised and felicitated Para Armwrestlers with state awards. Moreover, these state govts have even provided employment opportunities for these exceptional athletes.
Jha emphasised that the Shaheed Rajiv Pandey Award is bestowed upon individuals in the Paralympic category, making his case even more compelling.
“I have submitted the form for Shaheed Rajiv Pandey Award and have been doing so for the last 5-6 years but till now I have not received the award from the govt of Chhattisgarh. I also have approached sports department director Tanuja Salam as well as the secretary of the sports department. I have also submitted a letter to her in which it is written that due to the game not being recognised by the govt of India, even in other states, the game is not recognised and yet their best state govt award is given to the players. The director has assured me that they will consider it,” Jha said. The director of sports did not pick the call despite repeated phone calls.
Meanwhile, a former sports officer of the Chhattisgarh govt stated that People’s Armwrestling Federation India, the governing body, must be recognised by the govt of India and only then an Armwrestler can be eligible for the state award.