Same gold, same pride, why not the same award?” – India’s Paralympic champion has voiced his concerns, alleging unfairness in the selection process for the prestigious award

Harvinder, who won India’s first-ever Paralympic gold medal in archery in Paris—three years after securing another medal in Tokyo—questioned why different standards were being applied to athletes when their achievements were equally remarkable.

“Tokyo 2020 Paralympic gold medallists received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, so why not the Paris 2024 Paralympic gold medallists? Same competition, same gold, same pride—why the difference in recognition?” Singh wrote on X.

Harvinder Singh’s coach, Jiwanjot Singh, confirmed that Harvinder had applied for the prestigious award. “As a Paralympic gold medallist, I believe he truly deserves the Khel Ratna, especially since he applied for it,” Jiwanjot told HT.

In the men’s individual recurve open event at Invalides, Harvinder triumphed with a 6-0 victory over Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek in the final to secure the top position.

Harvinder faced a challenging start to life when, at just over a year old, he contracted dengue and required injections for treatment. Unfortunately, the side effects of those injections led to the loss of function in his legs.

The awards selection committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice V Ramasubramanian, also includes former women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal, boxer Vijender Singh, cricket legend Anil Kumble, and others. The committee is responsible for considering applicants, but it can also discuss names that are not included in the initial list.