Date:29/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/29/stories/2008082961351900.htm

Sport - Sports : General

Govt. justifies selection of Jagdish for award

New Delhi: The Government on Thursday defended its decision to select Jagdish Singh for the prestigious Dronacharya award, saying a high-level inquiry has found that the boxing coach had no criminal case pending against him.

“The attention of the Government has been drawn to a matter concerning the award of Dronacharya Award for boxing to Jagdish Singh,” the Sports Ministry said. Jagdish, who is the coach of Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh, Akhil Kumar and Jitender, was linked with the death of a boxer, Sonu Chahal, in a hostel in 2005. Nothing was proved and he was unanimously chosen by the selection committee for the honour owing to his contribution to the sport. — PTI