Government Directed to Include Deaf Athletes in Khel Ratna Selection: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court directed the Central Government to frame fair and inclusive criteria for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, ensuring representation of hearing-impaired sportspersons.

The Court observed that the current framework discriminated against deaf athletes compared to para-sportspersons, in violation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

The Court further ordered an extension of the application deadline until the revised criteria are notified. The ruling came in a plea by two deaf athletes, including an internationally acclaimed Deaflympics gold medallist, seeking equal recognition in national sports awards.

[Virender Singh & Ors. v Union of India & Ors.]