Weightlifter Y. Renubala Chanu on Monday protested at being ignored for the Arjuna award.
Renubala, who won the 58kg gold in the Commonwealth Games last year, met a Sports Ministry official to convey her grievance. However, she was left even more disappointed after the meeting.
“The official said a committee decided who should get the awards and he could do little about it,” said Renubala adding, “I threw my (gold) medal there and came back.”
More deserving
Renubala said she deserved the award more than K. Ravi Kumar, the lone lifter chosen for the honour this year.
“The official said Ravi Kumar got the award since he was a young lifter. But what about me, I am only 25 and I have won a silver medal in the 2006 in Melbourne Commonwealth Games and a gold in 2010,” she said.
Renubala, who was out of action after the Commonwealth Games due to illness, said she felt like quitting the sport.
“I deserved it. I will try to meet the Sports Minister (Ajay Maken) and present my case before him,” Renubala said.
“I feel de-motivated and frustrated. If nothing happens, I will quit the sport,” she added.
