Noida (Uttar Pradesh): Noida based para-athlete and Varun Singh Bhati claimed that he has not yet received the incentives promised to him by the Uttar Pradesh government after his historic medal at the Rio Paralympics in 2016.
It is to be noted that cash rewards of Rupees one crore and a government job were announced by the then Akhilesh-led Uttar Pradesh government after Singh had won the bronze medal at the Rio Games.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Arjuna awardee Bhati said that he has been running from pillar to post to get his due but to no avail.
"I am very hurt and sad that I have still not received the cash award and other incentives from my state for the Paralympics bronze medal that I won for my country. I even won a medal at the World Championship but things didn't change. Athletes in other states get the due for their achievements but not in Uttar Pradesh," said Bhati.
He further said that he visited government offices several times in Lucknow but did not get any specific assurances from officials.
"Every time was I was told that I will be given my due once the government finalises the policy. The officials say that everything is under process and it will still take some time. I don't know how long will it take to get a job," said the dejected athlete.
Varun Singh Bhati was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2017 for his heroics in Rio Paralympics and World Para Athletics Championships.
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