New Delhi: In a veiled reference to disgruntled athletes Krishna Poonia and H N Girisha, former shooter Moraad Ali Khan today said no one should question the credibility of the Khel Ratna award selection panel.
The recommendation of shooter Ronjan Sodhi for the Khel Ratna has sparked off a controversy as a member of the selection panel has raised questions about the selection process.
The panel member has claimed that woman discus thrower Poonia and London Paralympics silver medallist Girisha were shortlisted for voting by 11 out of 12 selection panel members and Sodhi's name was not considered initially.
The decision to bring Sodhi back into contention was taken after one member, a former shooter, came in late for the meeting. Girisha's name was removed and there was voting between Sodhi and Poonia.
Disappointed at being ignored, Poonia yesterday met Sports Minister Jitendra Singh at his official residence to express her displeasure.
"Khel Ratna Award was recommended by a Committee comprising of eminent sportspersons who included world record holders, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awardees and Arjuna Awardees, with the administrative support of the SAI officials.
It is surprising that after recommendation of such an eminent committee, so much of negativity is being generated because of adverse comments being made by those who have not been selected for the Award," Moraad said in a statement."The sportspersons who are now demanding that the award should have been given to them instead of Ronjan Sodhi, should themselves think before making such irresponsible statements. By making such statements they are not only questioning the collective credibility and the judgment of the sporting stalwarts who are responsible for India's sporting glory for multiple years but are also insulting the entire sporting community of our country," his statement read.
Moraad said in any selection process, there has to be a clear winner and a loser.
"By making such irresponsible statements, our own colleagues who have not got the Award are actually creating a wrong impression in the public mind that the selection process is rigged. This kind of irresponsible outburst, which does not have any substance, is stopped and in true sportsmanship, defeat is accepted like in any other sports arena," he said.
Moraad advised disgruntled athletes not to devalue the efforts of their colleagues and devalue the highest sports achievement award that the country has to offer.
"If one could actually publish a comparative chart of the achievements of the three Khel Ratna nominations where it would be very easy for even a normal person to elect a clear winner which in no case would be any different from what the selection committee has done. It is time gracefully start accepting the judgment of your senior colleagues and stop insulting their collective judgement," he added.