Boxer Amit Panghal might not get Arjuna award
Asian Games 2018 gold medalist, Amit Panghal won hearts with a superb show in Indonesia. Amit was the shining light of an otherwise disappointing campaign of the Indian boxing contingent at the Games. Despite him sealing the gold in men's 49 kg category at the Asian Games, Amit might not be eligible for the Arjuna award. Here is more on the same.
Doping suspension in 2012 likely to rob him of awards
Amit was suspended for doping six years ago. The boxer was banned for two years in 2012 after testing positive for an anabolic steroid. He went on to appeal against the verdict and brought it down to 1 year. According to a report in the Hindustan Times, this is likely to deny him getting any of the nation's prestigious awards.
What is the criteria?
Sports Ministry has a criteria for the Arjuna award and it states the following: "Sportspersons who have been penalized by WADA based on a sample collected by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) or any other agency authorised by WADA and tested by National Dope Testing Laboratory or any other WADA accredited laboratory, will not be eligible for the award".
Big blow for Amit as BFI nominates two others
Meanwhile, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has gone on to nominate Gaurav Bidhuri and Sonia Lather for the prestigious Arjuna award this year. This comes as a huge blow to Amit, who defeated former Olympic champion, Hasanboy Dusmatov of Uzbekistan, by a split decision in the final of the 49kg category. He was a lone boxer to win the gold at the Games.
