Archive · 7 Jun 2025
Rijiju Intervenes in Arunachal Weightlifter's Commonwealth Exclusion
Imagine a weightlifter named Sambo Lapung from Arunachal Pradesh, who is really good.
He won gold medals in national competitions three times!
But, he was not chosen to represent India in an upcoming big weightlifting competition.
A local group is upset because they think it's unfair.
They are asking a government minister to help.
They believe the decision isn't fair to Lapung or the people in his region.
They also think the group in charge of choosing athletes should be more open and fair in how they make their choices.
An Arunachal Pradesh weightlifter, Sambo Lapung, was excluded from the Indian team for the Commonwealth weightlifting championship.
The East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organization (EKSWCO) has sought intervention from Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.
EKSWCO claims Lapung's exclusion is unfair and a 'serious lapse in fairness and transparency' by the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF).
Lapung is a three-time national gold medalist.
The organization has called for a transparent, performance-based selection policy from IWF.
- Who
- The East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organization (EKSWCO) and Sambo Lapung.
- What
- Exclusion of weightlifter Sambo Lapung from the Indian team for the Commonwealth weightlifting championship.
- When
- The organization submitted a representation on Saturday regarding the exclusion.
- Where
- Arunachal Pradesh and India.
- Why
- EKSWCO is seeking intervention regarding Lapung's exclusion from the Commonwealth team, alleging unfairness and discrimination.
EKSWCO
IWF
Selection Criteria
EKSWCO
EKSWCO claims the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) lacks transparency and consistency in their selection criteria, favoring other events over national championships.
IWF
The articles do not provide the IWF's perspective.
- Minister Involved
- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju
- Weightlifter
- Sambo Lapung
- Event
- Commonwealth weightlifting championship
- Lapung's Achievements
- Gold medalist at the senior National Weightlifting Championships (2022, 2023, 2024)
- Organization Involved
- East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organization (EKSWCO)