Halappa in a shock after missing Arjuna again

BANGALORE: Arjun Halappa is unhappy that he has missed the Arjuna awards this year too. The star midfielder, who has been on the international hockey circuit for 11 years now, said he was shocked to realise that the government had again overlooked his claims and given the award to Rajpal Singh.

Apparently, both Rajpal and Arjun were in the fray for the award this year. Rajpal was chosen because he was the captain of the team, ministry sources said. However, there were also reports doing the rounds that Arjun’s file hadn’t reached the ministry.

“I have no problems in Rajpal getting the award. I was the first to congratulate him after the announcement. But I am shocked that I have been ignored again. The same happened last year too. The reason given is that I did not play well and I was not in form. That is not a good enough reason. I know I have been consistent,” Arjun, 30, said.

Having played three World Cups (2002, 2006 and 2010), two Asian Games (2002, 2010) and one Olympics (2004), Arjun’s claims seem just. “I would like to know what the criterion is. I have been playing for 11 years, I know I deserve the award. How long do I wait? The award will have no value if those who deserve do not get it at all,” he said.