Vinod Tawde, Maharashtra Sports Minister, assures help to shooter Rahi Sarnobat

A few days back the Asian Game gold medalist, Rahi Sarnobat had expressed her apprehensions about financial stability. To her surprise, the Maharashtra Sports Minister Vinod Tawde assured the star shooter to look into the issue. Vinod Tawde went on saying that he will try his level best to resolve the matter as soon as possible. It’s known that Rahi Sarnobat is severely looking for financial stability to carry on her career.

Tawde said that he is in contact with her, and her family on a regular basis and keeping the issue on priority.

"We have given financial security to her and her family has also given to her. After she bagged a medal (in the 2018 Asian Games), we have given her prizes worth lakhs.

"If the government salary doesn't come, it can't be a nightmare, but it should come on time. I will personally look into the matter. I often speak to Rahi, her family members meet me and we have been solving the issues," Tawde told reporters when asked about the concerns raised by Sarnobat.

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"Rahi should play well, practice; get a medal, which is not only India's but also Maharashtra's expectation. We will solve (her) problems," the minister assured the star pistol shooter. Tawde was addressing a media briefing where he announced the winners of Shiv Chhatrapati Awards, which are given by the state government.

"I feel I don't have more than four years left as a professional shooter and after 12 years of competing for India, I still have sleepless nights about my financial situation," she had said.

She claimed that she had not been paid since September 2017 by her employers. Tawde said he has also spoken to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about such issues raised by sportspersons.

He also informed that the state government was looking to form a committee which would determine the work structure of players.

"Whether it is Rahi or other players, they are the pride of India and Maharashtra. We have given leave to (shooter) Tejaswini Sawant, who works with the sports department for training," the minister said.

"We are forming a committee of experts who will determine how on-field players can be given leave (from work) and when they are off the field, how their work structure will be. After the committee gives its report we will take an (appropriate) decision," he said.

Tawde further urged the sportspersons, who get direct employment, to work with the sports department. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Vinod Tawde will work regressively to solve Rahi's issue. 
• Tawde is in direct contact with Rahi, and her family.
• Tawde urges the sportspersons to work in sports departments.