RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, July 10: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) today honoured six throw ball players, five women and one man, who will compete in the International Para Throw Ball Championship qualifying match in Malaysia.
Pratima Tirkey, Anita Tirkey, Mahima Oraon, Asunta Toppo, Taramani Lakra, and Sanoj Mahto were among those honoured.
Swami Divya Gyan, the RSS’s appointed chief of the group tasked with contacting saints, presided over the felicitation ceremony.
Due to poverty, Asunta Toppo, a Gumla player, was unable to afford the expenses of travelling to Malaysia. Dilip Baraik, a social worker in Chainpur and a member of the Gumla Zilla Parishad, sponsored her entire expenditure of Rs 66000, inspired by RSS.
On the occasion, Baraik expressed his dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to support the players.
“Five of today’s disabled female athletes are from tribal society. It is a source of pride for the state of Jharkhand. Jharkhand is brimming with talented athletes in all sports. It is necessary to identify and select them from villages and towns, transport them to training centres, and provide them with all necessary facilities. The state government has shown no regard for the players,” Baraik said.
Those who remained present on the occasion included Martyr and Param Veer Chakra recipient Albert Ekka’s son Vincent Ekka, daughter in law Rajni Ekka and local coach Mukesh Kanchan.
