JOIN US The joy of athletics coach Satyanarayana, recommended for Dronacharya Award, is set to be cut short.
It is learnt the Sports Ministry is investigating complaints against the coach, who is the mentor of Rio Paralympics gold medalist Thangavelu Mariyappan.
“We have to investigate these allegations. At the end of the day, these names are only recommendations. We can’t let it go without going into the depth of the matter. What if the candidate has concealed information in his declaration,” a ministry source said.
“Normally the ministry does not interfere with the procedure of selection committee. But there can be an exception.”
The Sports Minister Vijay Goel, who is recovering from chest infection, will have to approve the list.
The final list of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyanchand awards is yet to be announced.
Satyanarayana, a former 1,500-metres runner, was the secretary of the Karnataka Athletics Association (KAA) before he took up coaching. He was chosen for the award along with national walking coach Ramakarishna Gandhi, who passed away last year.
Meanwhile, woman weightlifter K Sanjita Chanu could be added to the list of Arjuna awardees. She won a gold medal in the 48kg category in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.