Kerala govt ignoring Asian Games winners, alleges PR Sreejesh

Thiruvananthapuram: Malayali hockey player PR Sreejesh, who made the country proud by securing gold at the Asian Games 2022, alleged that the Kerala government has been ignorant of the achievement.

He said not even a grama panchayat member paid a visit to his home to congratulate him. He was talking to the media.

However, Kerala sports minister, V Adburahiman, in a press release earlier stated that he congratulated all Asian Games medal winners from the state over phone calls. He added that the cabinet would decide on rewards soon.

Sreejesh pointed out that the Odisha and Haryana governments have already announced and paid rewards to his colleagues. He said such rewards not only secure the sportspersons’ future, but also encourage children to take up a career in sports.

Kerala government has not yet declared any rewards for the Malayali players, including Sreejesh. Whereas, Odisha government has announced Rs 5 lakh for all members of the hockey team.

Further, the Haryana government has announced a reward of Rs 3 crore, Rs 1.5 crore and Rs 70 lakh each for gold, silver and bronze medalists, respectively. Several other states have also promised jobs and prizes for players as well.

Recently, ace shuttle HS Prannoy announced that he was leaving Kerala due to lack of support from the state. Reacting to this, the minister denied the allegation and said he was rewarded accordingly. Abdurahiman added that the government allotted Rs 5 cr and Rs 4 cr for the last two national games and appointed 649 sportspersons in the last seven years to the government service. He also added that the government renovated the stadiums and playgrounds spending Rs 1600 cr from KIIFB and Rs 500 cr from the department fund.