Ayush Minister Backs Mirabai Chanu for Arjuna Award
Prataprao Jadhav writes to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, citing the Olympic medallist’s achievements and contribution to Indian weightlifting
- Prataprao Jadhav has recommended Mirabai Chanu for the Arjuna Award.
- The Ayush Minister wrote to Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
- Jadhav highlighted Chanu’s Olympic medal and Commonwealth Games achievements.
- He said the honour would recognise her contribution to Indian sport.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 31st July: Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav has recommended Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu for the Arjuna Award, citing her outstanding achievements and contribution to Indian weightlifting.
Jadhav, who is Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, has written to Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya urging him to consider Chanu for the prestigious sporting honour this year.
The Ministry of Ayush said Jadhav made the recommendation on his own initiative.
In his letter, Jadhav highlighted the Manipur-born weightlifter’s performances at the Commonwealth Games and her record of winning gold medals at successive editions of the competition.
The minister also cited Chanu’s performances in the 48 kg category, including record-breaking lifts in the snatch, clean and jerk and overall total.
Chanu has emerged as one of India’s most prominent weightlifters and has represented the country at major international competitions, including the Olympic Games.
Jadhav noted that Chanu has already received several major honours, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and the Padma Shri, besides winning an Olympic medal.
However, the minister said her childhood dream of receiving the Arjuna Award, which she had nurtured since her early training days in her village in Manipur, remains unfulfilled.
Jadhav said conferring the Arjuna Award on Chanu would be a fitting recognition of her performances, talent and contribution to Indian sport.
He also described Chanu’s journey from a small village in Manipur to becoming one of India’s leading weightlifters as an example of determination, perseverance and dedication that could inspire millions of young Indians.
