If the build-up to the national sports awards was marred with controversy, the Arjuna Awards ceremony at the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Saturday was no different.
As top sportspersons from across the country gathered for the glittering ceremony, the sports ministry was left red-faced following the row over triple jumper Renjith Maheshwary, who is alleged to have tested positive during the 8th national open athletics championships in 2008, thus making him ineligible for the award.
Shooter Ronjan Sodhi was the star of the ceremony, picking up the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, for his back-to-back World Cup triumphs.
“I last came here when I was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2009. That day I thought I should do something bigger and better and change the colour of my coat from red to blue.
“Luckily, I had two good years of shooting thereafter and have managed to do it today. This award will be a boost for shooting,” said Sodhi, who became the 7th marksman to be honoured with the award.
Cricketer Virat Kohli drew the maximum applause and was accompanied by his brother Vikas.
Golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar said the award was a boost for a sport like golf, which is set to make its Olympic debut in 2016.
“I can’t describe how I felt standing in front of the President today,” said Bhullar. “My mind wandered through my golfing career and it shows that hard work finally pays off. No golfer has won the Arjuna in last six years and I am happy to have done so.
“Golfers can now look ahead to more opportunities. It definitely will boost my career and will be an inspiration for many others.”
Archer Chekrovolu Swuro, who became the first sportsperson from Nagaland to clinch the honour, said it was a special moment for her.
“The Arjuna is a big boost for me, my family and my state. I am happy to have brought happiness to the people of my state.” she said.
Young shuttler P.V. Sindhu, competing in the Indian Badminton League final in Mumbai, was the only one to miss out on the awards ceremony.
Woman boxer Kavita Chahal, cueist Rupesh Shah, GM Abhijeet Gupta, former woman hockey player Saba Anjum, squash star Joshna Chinnappa, and paddler Mouma Das were among the 14 Arjuna awardees.