A district-level sports festival in Madhya Pradesh concluded in chaos and disappointment as several athletes staged a public protest, alleging they were denied promised cash rewards. The closing ceremony of the Sansad Khel Mahotsav 2025 in Khargone on Thursday was marred by angry demonstrations, with participants tearing their certificates and throwing medals on the ground in frustration.
Medals Thrown, Certificates Torn in Public Anger
The protest erupted at the Khargone stadium ground during the event's closing function. Athletes, visibly upset, took the drastic step of discarding their hard-earned medals and damaging their certificates. Speaking to the media, players like Harshita Yadav and Urvashi Chauhan voiced their collective grievance. They alleged that while participants received medals, the expected cash prizes were not distributed.
The athletes drew a direct comparison with the neighbouring Barwani district, where similar events reportedly included monetary rewards. This disparity left the Khargone participants feeling discriminated against and misled. Beyond the prize money, the protesting players also raised concerns about a lack of basic facilities, claiming that even food was not provided during the tournament.
Official Denial and Chief Guest's Response
In response to the uproar, District Sports Officer Pavi Dubey offered a starkly different account. Dubey stated clearly that there was never any commitment at any level to provide cash prizes to winners in the Khargone edition of the event. This official denial directly contradicted the athletes' expectations and claims.
The ceremony was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Sumer Singh Solanki as the chief guest. Addressing the controversy, Solanki maintained that the athletes were "duly honoured" at the event. His statement did little to placate the aggrieved sportspersons, who felt their achievements had been undervalued in the absence of tangible financial recognition.
Fallout of the Prize Money Controversy
The incident has cast a shadow over the organisation of the Sansad Khel Mahotsav in Khargone. It highlights a significant communication gap between the participating athletes and the sports authorities. The protest underscores the importance of clear, prior communication regarding the nature of awards in such competitions to manage expectations.
Furthermore, the comparison with Barwani district points to potential inconsistencies in how sporting events are structured and funded across neighbouring regions, leading to perceptions of unfair treatment. The athletes' extreme reaction of discarding their medals reflects the depth of their disappointment and the symbolic value they attached to the promised cash prizes as a measure of their success and effort.
