A day after the Olympics bronze medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik lashed out at the Haryana Government for not giving the incentives promised after her historic medal at the Rio Games, Sports Minister Anil Vij on Sunday rejected Malik’s claim.
The Minister alleged that some people might have “prevailed upon” her to tweet in which she raised questions about the Haryana Government’s commitment towards fulfilling its promises.
“The government has given her a cheque of Rs 2.5 crore, the day she landed in India (after the Olympics event),” said Vij, while talking to the mediapersons.
Vij said, “Regarding the issue of job, she had sought job at Maharishi Dayanand University (MDU) in Rohtak. But it takes time to complete the formalities. We have taken all the approvals needed and MDU has also framed rules. She will be appointed as Director Sports at MDU,” the Minister said.
He added that the athlete would be given an appointment letter within 3-4 days and she knows it very well.
With regard to the issue related to rewarding her coach, the Minister said that the State Government had asked the Olympics bronze medallist wrestler to give a name of one coach for giving him the reward.
Vij said, “She had given names of 3-4 coaches from whom she got training. But we asked her to give us one name with an affidavit and we will give him the award. We cannot give award to all the coaches.”
The Minister also claimed that Malik has not yet applied with Haryana Urban Development Authority to get plot at concessional rate. The State Government had also offered a plot to the international sportsperson at concessional rate, he said.
“He had himself even apprised about all these issues to her parents who met him a week ago,” said Vij.
“Some people may have prevailed upon her to write in this manner. Sports politics is deeper than our real politics and we do not understand that,” he added.
Sakshi Malik had on Saturday claimed that she had not yet received the incentives promised to her by the State Government For winning the bronze medal at the Rio Games.
“Medal ka vada maine pura kiya, Haryana sarkar apna vada kab pura karegiIJ (I fulfilled my promise of winning an Olympic medal for the country, when will Haryana government fulfil its promiseIJ),” tweeted Sakshi.
“Announcements made by Haryana Government after my OlYMPIC MEDAl win were for MEDIA ONlY IJ,” she further posted on her twitter handle.