THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The cabinet's move to appoint the winners of the Men's Bodybuilding competition as Armed Police Inspectors has faced backlash. The move was intended to offer appointments to Chitharesh Natesan, who won the International Bodybuilding Championship, and Shinu Chovva, who won a silver medal at the World Men's Bodybuilding Championship.

However, Shinu Chovva failed the physical fitness test, where he lost in events such as the 100-meter run, long jump, high jump, and 1500-meter run. Chitharesh Natesan did not participate in the test. The test took place at the SAP camp. Police appointments under the sports quota are granted to athletes who have secured medals in events recognized by the Olympics and National Games.

The cabinet made its decision by bypassing this rule. The order stated that the appointments were made considering both their achievements at the national and international levels and their family backgrounds. The decision was made by creating a supernumerary post with certain exemptions in the rules. The move to appoint individuals in violation of the rules took place while athletes who have won medals at the international and national levels are still waiting for appointments.