Deepa Malik clarifies stance over Khel Ratna snub

Rio Paralympics silver medallist Deepa Malik has clarified her stance on being sidelined for Khel Ratna awards. Reports had earlier claimed she was upset over being ignored for the prestigious award this year, but the paralympian told Sportstar her statements have been tweaked.

Rio Paralympics silver medallist Deepa Malik has clarified her stance on being sidelined for Khel Ratna awards

Rio Paralympics silver medallist Deepa Malik has clarified her stance on being sidelined for Khel Ratna awards. Reports had earlier claimed she was upset over being ignored for the prestigious award this year, but the paralympian has told Sportstar her statements have been tweaked.

Clarifying her stance, Malik said: “They (the scribes) asked me, Ma’am, what about Khel Ratna? I told them that these moments what I'm getting now are way beyond Khel Ratna. To be able to hold the (Commonwealth Games) torch in my hand... [Of course Khel Ratna is prestigious], but these moments make your life much richer. That’s what I said.”

Elaborating her points, Malik further added: “I also said that I am yet again in TOPS scheme and I am going to work harder. Try and aim to raise my own bar — aim for the World Record — and then again deserve Khel Ratna.”

According to her, the scribes asked Malik if she would apply for Khel Ratna, and her answer was, “Yes. When I will deserve it again…”

“I am trying to focus again, achieve again, and then apply. Where did they (the scribes) eat up the achieve again part?” Malik questioned, admitting that it is not right to create controversy in such ‘happy moments’.