Delhi High Court Issues Notice In World Boxing Champion Nitu Ghanghas' Plea To Be Considered For Arjuna Award

A gold medalist in Commonwealth Games, 2022 held at Birmingham as well as in IBA Women's World Boxing Championship/World Cup, 2023 held at New Delhi, Nitu, a southpaw, hails from Bhiwani district in Haryana. She was noticed by coach Jagdish Singh, the founder of Bhiwani Boxing Club and former mentor of boxer Vijender Singh.

Nitu's first success in the senior category came when she bagged the gold medal in the 48 kg category at Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament, 2022 held in Sofia, Bulgaria.

At the age of 23, she is the 6^th Indian boxer (male or female) to become a world champion. Through her petition, she claims that non-inclusion of her name in the Arjuna Awardee list is unfair, unreasonable and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India.

Appearing for Nitu before the court is Senior Advocate Mohit Mathur, who has submitted that a representation has already been given in respect of non-inclusion of Nitu's name in the Arjuna Awardee list.

In response, CGSC Anil Soni has stated that the representation, as submitted, would be considered.

Calling for the response thereto, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna has listed the matter for January 1, 2024.

Case Title: Nitu v. Sports Authority of India & Ors., W.P.(C) 16762/2023