The Hindu: Haryana CM inaccessible to sportspersons’, says hockey player Poonam Malik

POONAM MALIK

Represented India at the Rio Olympics in hockey

More than a year after Poonam Malik, who lives in Hisar in Haryana, represented India at Rio Olympics in women’s hockey, she has been running from pillar to post for a job.

“I work with Indian Railways but would love to work with the State Sports Department. After representing India at Rio, I met Haryana Sports Minister Anil Vij a few times seeking a job but the wait continues,” said Ms. Malik (24), who has 186 international matches to her credit.

‘Incomplete documents’

She said the government has been talking about new job policy and constituting committees for a while but no one has got a job so far. “I got a letter from the Department recently saying that the documents submitted with my application were incomplete. My brother went to check the documents in Chandigarh but they were complete. The government has declared several last dates for submission of applications for jobs but no one has a job yet.”

‘2013 cash reward’

She said she is yet to get the cash reward of ?1 lakh for representing the country in hockey in Asia Games in 2013. “Every time we ask the government, we are told to wait. Most players come from humble backgrounds, and the prize money and jobs matter a lot,” she said. Ms. Malik, who is presently at a camp in Bengaluru to prepare for the Commonwealth Games, said she was not given the Bhim Award despite representing the State for several years.

She lamented that the Chief Minister was inaccessible to sportspersons. She said players were seated far away from the stage at the recently concluded Khel Mahakumbh, and that they did not get an opportunity to interact with Mr. Khattar and convey their grievances.