I have more points than Kohli to bag Khel Ratna, says Punia

TIL Desk Sports/ Star wrestler Bajrang Punia is likely to back down from his stance of going to court against Sports Ministry’s decision to ignore him for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award after his mentor Yogeshwar Dutt advised him to rather concentrate on his preparation for next month’s World Championships.

Snubbed for the country’s highest sporting honour, Bajrang on Thursday met Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who had assured him that his case will be considered. The 24-year-old wrestler, who won gold at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, had said if he doesn’t get a favourable reply from the Sports Minister, he will be forced to knock the doors of court to get justice.

But with the Sports Ministry unlikely bow down to his pressure, Yogeshwar said he has advised Bajrang to move forward and concentrate on his preparation for the World Championships. “It was injustice to Bajrang as he deserved the Khel Ratna this year. We met the Sports Minister yesterday and he said he will talk to the selection committee. But I have advised Bajrang against going to the court as it will hamper his World Championship preparations,” Yogeshwar told.