Arjun Babuta Criticizes Punjab Government Over Lack of Support

Indian shooter Arjun Babuta laments the absence of support from the Punjab government despite his athletic achievements. Babuta narrowly missed an Olympic medal in Paris, finishing fourth in the men's 10m Air Rifle event. He calls on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for job security and recognition.

In a revealing statement, Indian shooter Arjun Babuta disclosed that he has not received any acknowledgment or support from the Punjab government despite his professional accomplishments. Competing in the Paris Olympics, Babuta came agonizingly close to winning an Olympic medal before nerves took over, ultimately landing him in fourth place in the men's 10m Air Rifle event.

Returning to India with bronze medallist Sarabjot Singh and other athletes, the 25-year-old shooter expressed his frustration over the lack of backing from the Punjab administration. Babuta called for a job rank commensurate with his sporting achievements and hopes that the current Aam Aadmi Party government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will heed his demands, unlike their Congress predecessors.

"I have not received any benefit from the state government. In 2022, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and then Sports Minister of Punjab Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer promised me a government job. Despite writing a letter for the same, I was told to wait. It is very disappointing and I hope they look into it as job security is crucial. My efforts deserve recognition, and I should be given a certain rank according to my sports achievements. The previous Congress government failed to meet my demands," Babuta told ANI. Criticizing the state's lackluster support for its athletes, he added: "Governments change, but the demand remains the same. While leaders of other states welcomed their athletes, Punjab's Chief Minister and Sports Minister didn't even meet us at the airport. The ministers play a significant role in the decline of sports in Punjab."

Despite the setback in Paris, Babuta looks ahead, setting his sights on the LA 28 Olympics and the Shooting World Cup.

(With inputs from agencies.)