Para shuttler Raj Kumar conferred with Arjuna Award after long court battle

Two years after Para shuttler Raj Kumar was denied the Arjuna award, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Rathore bestowed the player with the honour here on Wednesday.

Two years back, Kumar had filed a case against the ministry after his name was not considered for the prestigious award by the selection committee.

The decision to give him the award came after the Delhi High court delivered a ruling in the para shuttler's favour.

Expressing happiness over receiving the award, Kumar said that it is the biggest achievement of his life and credited his coaches for the same.

"It is the biggest achievement for me. I have been world champion three times. In 2017, I applied for the award but was ignored. I fought a court case to win the award so it is a big achievement. I would like to credit my national and international coaches for my achievements," he added.

Kumar had won a gold medal in the 2015 BWF Para-Badminton World Championships which was held in England.