Times News NetworkChandigarh: Alleging arbitrary denial of incentives despite multiple international medals, shooter Vijayveer Sidhu has approached the Punjab and Haryana high court seeking directions to the UT administration to release pending cash awards for his sporting achievements.Counsel for the petitioner Yashpal Sharma submitted that the petitioner had represented India at several international competitions including ISSF World Championships, ISSF Junior World Cups and Asian Shooting events, securing multiple podium finishes. Despite this, authorities allegedly granted him only one cash award for a team gold medal while rejecting claims for other individual and team medals. It was argued that the rejection relied on an outdated cash award policy and failed to consider the sports policy notified in August 2023, which, according to the petitioner, governs the grant of incentives.On behalf of UT Chandigarh, advocates Jaivir Chandail and Himanshu Malik argued that the petitioner’s claims had been examined in accordance with the applicable policy framework and that incentives had already been granted where admissible. It was contended that rejection of remaining claims was based on policy provisions governing eligibility and not on any arbitrary exercise of discretion. The UT sought time to place their detailed reply on record.After hearing the parties, the HC fixed the matter for April 10 for further hearing.
