: Monday, 24 February 2025 12:44 pm
Mohali. Mohali’s international para athlete Ananya Bansal has once again illuminated the name of the kingdom with her performance. He achieved a great feat by winning a bronze medal at the Shotput event of the F-20 category at the 23rd National Para Athletics Championship held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu from 18 to 20 February. Ananya has so far won three international medals at the international level and more than 20 at the national level. If special Olympics are also included in India’s swimming, cycling and handball matches, the figure reaches 32.
Question on the sports policy of Punjab government
However, despite such achievements, the attitude of the Punjab government remains indifferent to para players. The state government claimed to implement the new sports policy in 2023, in which plans were also announced for para players. But the reality is that these announcements are limited only for big tournaments like Olympics, Asian and World Cup.
38 players were selected from Punjab this year, but only 25 players could participate in the National Para Athletics Championship in Chennai. Only three of them can win medals – one gold, one silver and one bronze. Punjab finished 17th in the rankings of 26 states.
Financial troubles of players and attraction of other states
Players say that when the amount of cash prize is five times less than sports training, how should they pay attention to their game? This is the reason that the para athletes of Punjab are now being forced to play from other states. Other states not only give cash prizes, but also provide jobs to their players.
If you take an example of Rajasthan, then many players of Ananya Bansal’s age have been doing government jobs along with sports for the last 2-3 years. With this they can bear the preparation and travel expenses of their game themselves. But the sports policy of the Punjab government only provides for medals winning medals in big tournaments like Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth, which has not been given to any para player for the last 7-8 years.
Improve infrastructure, but what for para players?
The Punjab government is investing in improving the infrastructure of sports stadiums, but this work is not being done keeping in mind the needs of para players. For example, the government has organized Para Games for the first time in 2024, while three big sports events of competent players have already been held.
Players’ appeal – needs direct conversation with Chief Minister
Para players of Punjab have met former Sports Minister Meet Hair several times, but their problems were not resolved. Now his expectations are from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who is also the Sports Minister himself. The players and their parents hope that the Chief Minister will focus on their demands and will soon take a concrete decision by meeting with them.
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Web Title-Questions raised on the neglect of punjab para athletes: Ananya Bansal Once Again Made Mohali Proud, but the government indiffereence continues
