'Neglect after neglect'; Asian Games medalist Ancy Sojan disappointed and disheartened

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Reports suggest that long jumper Ancy Sojan, who won a silver medal for the country at the recent Asian Games, is considering leaving Kerala. Ancy expressed disappointment that, despite bringing pride to India, neither the State Sports Minister nor the Chief Minister took the initiative to speak with or congratulate her personally.

Speaking to a private television channel, Ancy voiced her distress over the situation in Kerala, contrasting it with the excellent support and recognition other states—such as Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu government's event, where Asian Games athletes were felicitated and awarded cash prizes in the presence of Chief Minister Vijay, had previously created a significant buzz on social media.

Ancy is pondering a move to settle outside Kerala. She pointed out that athletes in other states receive excellent treatment and substantial rewards, whereas in Kerala, they do not get the recognition they deserve.

"It is deeply disheartening that while athletes from other states receive cash rewards running into crores—even for relay medals—I have not received due recognition despite winning an individual medal. States like Tamil Nadu and Punjab actively promote the sports sector and award crores to medal winners. Furthermore, Tamil Nadu has schemes providing a monthly stipend of one lakh rupees to prepare elite athletes for the Olympics, whereas no such schemes exist in Kerala," said Ancy.