Haryana CM Khattar Puts on Hold Diktat Seeking One-Third Share of Athletes' Earnings After Outcry

New Delhi: The Manohar Lal Khattar government in Haryana has put on hold its shocking diktat ordering the state’s sportspersons to submit one-third of their earnings from professional sports and commercial endorsements to the Haryana Sports Council after facing flak from all quarters.

Khattar said that he has asked for the relevant file of sports department to be shown to him and the notification to be put on hold till further orders. “We are proud of immense contribution by our sports persons and I assure them of a just consideration of all issues,” he said.

The government notification dated April 30, 2018 had said that the money collected from athletes would be used for “development of sports in the state”.

“One-third of the income earned by sports-persons from professional sports or commercial endorsements will be deposited with the Haryana State Sports Council, amount to be used for development of sports in the state,” the notification read.

Illustration by Mir Suhail. (News18)

The notification said that “in case the sportsperson is treated on-duty while taking part in professional sports or commercial endorsements”, the full income must be deposited with the council.

Reacting to the shocking notification, Olympic silver medallist Sushil Kumar had termed it a “burden”. “Sportspersons do these extra jobs to take care of their families. The government should not burden us… Aspiring sportspersons will not be inspired by such moves. This is the first time I have heard of such a notification. The CM should review it,” the wrestler said.

Echoing similar concerns, fellow wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Babita Phogat said the order was unfair.

“Does the government even realise how much hard work a sportsperson puts in? How can they ask for one-third of the income? I do not support this at all. The government should have at least discussed it with us,” Babita Phogat said.

Earlier, defending the notification, Haryana BJP leader Jawahar Yadav had said, “We are not taking the earnings that athletes win when they play their sport. But if they are employees of the state government and go in for advertisements, then a part of their salary will have to be given to the government.”