Olympics Boxer Simranjit Kaur: Punjab government has money for TikTokers, but not for us
Simranjit Kaur who recently qualified for Tokyo Olympics had shared her financial problems with media in January. After which Punjab CM Amarinder immediately tweeted and assured all the help to the Indian boxer saying, “I have directed Secretary, Sports, to immediately look into what needs to be done,"
However, Simranjit claims that she has not received any help from the state government. She said, "I don't know much about their (government) criteria. I was promised Rs 5 lakh also but who cares? Whereas, TikTok stars got their money from the Punjab Government well on time,"
"I was also promised a job in Punjab Government when I met Chief Minister sir in March, again who cares?"
"Why they want us, the athletes, to keep begging for what we deserve or are promised?" she asked.
I haven't got a written assurance as of yet. Not a single paper in writing. I don't know whom to meet or request. I can't do anything much. Lockdown has stalled everything, everywhere, so let's see when all this gets over and when I get a job. They should understand, I really, really need it (job)," said the boxer.
She hails from Ludhiana’s Chakar village and is the only earning hand of her family of five, which includes two younger brothers, elder sister and a mother. Her father who worked at a local grocery store, passed away in July 2018 due to heart attack.
Since then the 24-year-old-boxer earns from participating in International tournaments.
She is currently in the national camp in Patiala. She said, "My training is going great guns. I want to win a medal at the Tokyo Games. It was great to resume training after a long wait because of the nation-wide lockdown.”
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“I do drawing to keep my mind fresh and focused. It is one of my passions. I also do sewing which I learnt from my mother (Rajpal Kaur). I am not just sitting at home and letting any negativity come to my mind. However, there are times when I feel a little worried because of my job and family. But then my mother always keeps motivating me," she added.
-PTC News
