Sports Equality: Chirag Shetty Questions Maharashtra Government’s Prioritization

Chirag Shetty, a renowned Indian shuttler, has raised questions about the Maharashtra government’s decision to felicitate the Indian cricket team for their T20 World Cup victory, while ignoring his own achievements in the Thomas Cup. The Thomas Cup, won by India in 2022, is equivalent to winning the Cricket World Cup, according to Chirag.

The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, was awarded a cash prize of ₹11 crore by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and received a heroes’ welcome in New Delhi and Mumbai. They were also honored at the Vidhan Bhawan in the presence of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, and met the Chief Minister at his residence in Mumbai. The team members were presented with shawls and idols of Lord Ganesha as a token of appreciation.

However, Chirag, who was an integral part of the Indian badminton team that won the Thomas Cup, feels that the government is not treating all sports equally. He pointed out that he was the only Maharashtra player in the Indian team that won the Thomas Cup and was not recognized or rewarded by the government. “Thomas Cup is equivalent to winning the World Cup,” Chirag said. “I was part of the Indian badminton team which won its maiden title, shocking champions Indonesia in the final. When the government can honour World Cup-winning cricket stars, they should also recognise my efforts.”

Chirag, who is a world number-one ranked men’s doubles player along with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, has achieved several notable victories, including the Commonwealth Games gold medal, a bronze at the World Championships, and a gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games. They also won the French Open and Thailand Open titles this year and qualified for the Malaysian Super 750 and India Super 750 tournaments.

Despite being a fan of cricket, Chirag emphasized that he has “nothing against cricket.” He acknowledged the Indian cricket team’s sensational win against South Africa in the T20 World Cup final and celebrated their victory along with other badminton players. However, he felt that the government should recognize and reward achievements in all sports equally. “Before 2022, the Indian badminton team had never even reached the semifinals but we created history by winning the title,” Chirag added.

Chirag’s comments highlight the need for equal recognition and rewards for achievements in all sports, rather than just focusing on cricket. His words serve as a reminder that every sport deserves equal attention and appreciation, and that athletes from all disciplines should be celebrated for their hard work and dedication.

Historical Context:

The Thomas Cup is an international badminton tournament that has been held since 1949, with India winning its maiden title in 2022. The tournament is considered one of the most prestigious events in the badminton world, and winning it is equivalent to winning the Cricket World Cup. The Indian cricket team has a long history of success, with the first Cricket World Cup being held in 1975. The Indian government has traditionally placed a strong emphasis on cricket, with the sport being one of the most popular and widely followed in the country.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Chirag Shetty, an Indian shuttler, has questioned the Maharashtra government’s decision to felicitate the Indian cricket team for their T20 World Cup victory while ignoring his own achievements in the Thomas Cup. • The Indian cricket team was awarded a cash prize of ₹11 crore and received a heroes’ welcome in New Delhi and Mumbai, as well as being honored at the Vidhan Bhawan and meeting the Chief Minister. • Chirag, who was part of the Indian badminton team that won the Thomas Cup, feels that the government is not treating all sports equally and is not recognizing his efforts. • He pointed out that he was the only Maharashtra player in the Indian team that won the Thomas Cup and was not recognized or rewarded by the government. • Chirag has achieved several notable victories, including the Commonwealth Games gold medal, a bronze at the World Championships, and a gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games. • He emphasized that he has “nothing against cricket” but feels that the government should recognize and reward achievements in all sports equally. • Chirag’s comments highlight the need for equal recognition and rewards for achievements in all sports, rather than just focusing on cricket. • The Indian government has traditionally placed a strong emphasis on cricket, with the sport being one of the most popular and widely followed in the country.