Father of star boxer hints at corruption in sports

Tribune News Service

Bhiwani, July 2

Close on the heels of boxer Vijender Singh turning professional, the father of super heavyweight boxer Paramjit Samota has shot off a letter to the President alleging corruption in sports department.

Paramjit, who belongs from Denod village, had shot into limelight after he won a gold medal in 2010 Commonwealth Games in the 91kg category. Besides the CWG, he had also won a medal in Asiad (2010) and Asian Championships (2011, 2013).

Pradeep Samota, a retired army official, said that sportsmen who had achieved 30 points were given Arjuna Awards while his son who has 67 marks has not been considered so far by the Union Sports Ministry for the honour. After his achievements, the state government had recruited him as a DSP, he added.

“The prevalent large- scale corruption in the department was the chief reason behind the frustration and demoralisation among athletes. Less talented but well- connected sportspersons were drawing all the benefits,”he lamented.

He said that he had met Sports Minister Anij Vij in this context who assured him of help but nothing happened.