A file photo of Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.
Taking note of media reports on the government apathy towards the critical condition of Asian Games gold medallist Hakam Bhattal, Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore today sanctioned a sum of Rs. 10 lakhs for the athlete's treatment.
In a tweet, the minister wrote: "I have ordered an immediate release of ₹10 lakhs for the medical treatment of Havildar Hakam Bhattal. Officers of @IndiaSports @Media_SAI have visited him, and we are keeping track of the situation. I wish him a quick recovery. We are proud to stand by our heroes."
Bhattal, a recipient of the prestigious Dhyan Chand Award, is currently battling against kidney and liver ailments and had not received any attention from the government, let alone support.
Admitted at a private hospital in Punjab's Sangrur, and with his pension being a measly seven thousand a month, Bhattal needed some support from the government in order to avail better healthcare.
(With ANI inputs)
