Punjab govt orders inquiry into delay of Khel Ratna paperwork after Harbhajan Singh’s plea

Recently, the off-spinner’s nomination for Khel Ratna award had been rejected by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on grounds that his documents reached late which resulted in Harbhajan requesting Punjab Sports Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi’s intervention in the matter. The minister subsequently ordered a probe into the alleged delay in sending his documents to the centre, and the director (Sports) has been tasked to carry out the inquiry.

“I have ordered an inquiry into the matter. The director (Sports) has been tasked to carry out the inquiry,” Sodhi told PTI Wednesday.

In a video uploaded on his Twitter handle, Harbhajan claimed that he furnished the relevant documents on March 20 but now he understands that there was a delay in sending his papers to the centre that ultimately led to his rejection. 

“I have come to know through the media that a file recommending my name for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award sent by the Punjab government to the Centre has been rejected with the reason being that papers reached very late. I have come to know that because of delay, my nomination will not be considered for this award this time and because of which I will not get this award,” he rued.

“As far as I (can) recollect, I submitted papers on March 20 with your (Sodhi) office and this form was supposed to reach Delhi within 10-15 days and why it was not submitted timely. Had this form submitted timely, I probably would have got the award this year which comes as a motivation and encouragement for any sportsperson,” he further said.

Harbhajan, meanwhile, requested the minister to re-send his application next year.

“If such delays continue to take place then players will lag behind which is not right and I hope you (Sodhi) will take action on it and forward my nomination again to the government of India,” said Harbhajan.