Haryana govt orders athletes to submit one third income, wrestlers unhappy

New Delhi : In a shocking instruction, the Manohar Lal Khattar government in Haryana has ordered the state’s sportspersons to submit one-third of their earnings from professional sports and commercial branding to the Haryana Sports Council.

The government notification released on April 30, 2018 mentioned that the money submitted by the athelete would be used for “development of sports in the state”. 

“One-third of the income earned by sports-persons from professional sports or commercial endorsements will be deposited with the Haryana State Sports Council, amount to be used for development of sports in the state,” the notification read

The notification said that “in case the sportsperson is treated on-duty while taking part in professional sports or commercial endorsements”, the full income must be deposited with the council.

Reacting to the shocking notification, Olympic silver medalist Sushil Kumar termed it a “burden”. “Sportspersons do these extra jobs to take care of their families. The government should not burden us… Aspiring sportspersons will not be inspired by such moves. This is the first time I have heard of such a notification. The CM should review it,” the wrestler said. 

Fellow wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Babita Phogat also said the order was unjust. 

“Does the government even realise how much hard work a sportsperson puts in? How can they ask for one-third of the income? I do not support this at all. The government should have at least discussed it with us,” Babita Phogat said.

Conversely, defending the notification, Haryana BJP leader Jawahar Yadav said, “We are not taking the earnings that athletes win when they play their sport. But if they are employees of the state government and go in for advertisements, then a part of their salary will have to be given to the government.”