The government did not overlook PR Sreejesh and will announce his award tomorrow: Minister

Thiruvananthapuram: Responding to criticism levelled at the state government for ignoring Olympic medalist PR Sreejesh, Minister for Sports V Abdurahiman stated that the government will decide on rewards and other incentives for him in the assembly on Wednesday. He also dismissed allegations that the government ignored Sreejesh’s contribution to the Indian hockey team’s historic Olympic victory.

“Kerala has always promoted sportspeople. The government has to follow certain protocols when making such decisions. Since the Indian Hockey team won an Olympic medal, the assembly has not met. The government granted Rs 5 lakhs to all sportspersons from Kerala to buy required materials and also arranged necessary facilities before leaving for Tokyo,” said the minister.

Because Sreejesh is a government employee, the government must take this into account before announcing the rewards, he added.

Because Sreejesh is a government employee, the government must take this into account before announcing the rewards, he added.

“Other states announced the rewards because they had made the decision earlier; the government has provided jobs and housing for many athletes; and over 600 athletes have been appointed to government positions so far,” the minister added.

Anju Boby George’s criticism of the delay in honouring Sreejesh elicited a hesitant response from the minister.