📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Crystal
Jobs & Career
Sports quota job scam: National medal awarded for ₹40 lakh without playing, officials say
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 31 Oct 2026, 10:06 AM
👁 29
A scandal has emerged where a national sports medal was allegedly granted in exchange for a ₹40 lakh job under the sports quota, without the recipient having played the sport.
A recent investigation has uncovered a dubious arrangement in which a national sports medal was reportedly issued to secure a ₹40 lakh government job under the sports quota, despite the beneficiary not having participated in the sport. The expose, published by Bhaskar English, points to a direct link between the award and the employment placement, suggesting the medal was used as a credential rather than a recognition of athletic achievement.
According to officials cited in the report, the scheme involved the Vikram Award, a state‑level sports honour, being leveraged to legitise the job appointment. The authorities claim that the award was cited in the candidate's file to satisfy the quota criteria, even though the individual had no record of competition or training in the relevant discipline.
The revelation has prompted calls for a thorough inquiry by the sports ministry and the anti‑corruption agencies. If confirmed, the case could lead to revocation of the medal, cancellation of the appointment, and potential legal action against those who facilitated the misuse of the sports quota system.
Stakeholders in the sports community have expressed concern that such practices undermine genuine athletes and erode public trust in merit‑based selections. The government has pledged to review the quota allocation process to prevent similar abuses in the future.
According to officials cited in the report, the scheme involved the Vikram Award, a state‑level sports honour, being leveraged to legitise the job appointment. The authorities claim that the award was cited in the candidate's file to satisfy the quota criteria, even though the individual had no record of competition or training in the relevant discipline.
The revelation has prompted calls for a thorough inquiry by the sports ministry and the anti‑corruption agencies. If confirmed, the case could lead to revocation of the medal, cancellation of the appointment, and potential legal action against those who facilitated the misuse of the sports quota system.
Stakeholders in the sports community have expressed concern that such practices undermine genuine athletes and erode public trust in merit‑based selections. The government has pledged to review the quota allocation process to prevent similar abuses in the future.