While cricketers like Rohit Sharma are rightly celebrated and awarded substantial prizes for their achievements, it’s essential to acknowledge the hard work and success of other athletes from Maharashtra, such as Chirag Shetty. Despite his remarkable accomplishments in badminton, including winning the Thomas Cup in 2022, Chirag has received little recognition or reward from the state government.
After winning the Thomas Cup, the badminton team world championship, in 2022, Chirag Shetty came home to Malad-Goregaon, but there was no lavish celebration, no formal recognition, and no monetary prize. This stands in sharp contrast to the rapid recognition that Rohit Sharma and three other Maharashtra players received after winning the T20 World Cup. Even while the cricket players earned their honors and cash compensation, it’s unfortunate that Chirag’s equally noteworthy accomplishments have gone unnoticed.
A notable sporting achievement is the Thomas Cup triumph, in which Chirag and his partner Satwiksairaj Rankireddy defeated the fearsome Indonesians. However, it doesn’t seem to have struck a chord with the Maharashtra state administration, which suggests a lack of knowledge or respect for sports other than cricket.
Significant concerns concerning the distribution of funds and attention are brought up by this discrepancy in acknowledgment. When there are more urgent needs in areas like health, education, and grassroots sports development, taxpayers have good reason to question the significant cash rewards provided to T20 cricket players. Greater success at competitions like the Olympics can eventually result from proper support for a wide variety of sports.
Thomas Cup champion Chirag Shetty requests equal recognition from the government for his contributions. 🏸#9sportz #indiansports #sportsindia #Badminton #ThomasCup #ChiragShetty pic.twitter.com/kZsTSxbTJf
— 9Sportz (@9Sportz) July 8, 2024The issue of cricket taking precedence over other sports in Mumbai is further highlighted by Chirag Shetty’s experience. Though friends cautioned him early on that the only sport that garners attention in the city is cricket, Chirag continued to strive for perfection in doubles badminton, one of the sport’s most difficult divisions. His quiet, unheralded victory with the Thomas Cup is evidence of his perseverance and commitment.
Even though Chirag expressed his disappointment at being disregarded two years after winning, it didn’t stop him. He’s still aiming high, hoping to win a gold medal in the Olympics in Paris—an accomplishment that will be difficult to overlook.
It is imperative that the Maharashtra government provide athletes like Chirag Shetty due recognition and incentives for their remarkable accomplishments. Like cricket players, they are hardworking, attain major life goals, and instill pride in the state. The overall growth of Maharashtra’s sporting culture depends on equal support and acknowledgment for all sports.
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