Archive · 6 Jan 2026
MP Gurumurthy Demands Review of Khel Ratna Omission
An MP from Tirupati, Dr. Maddila Gurumurthy, has written a letter to the government asking them to look again at who gets the Khel Ratna Award.
He thinks it's unfair that Jyothi Surekha Vennam, a very successful archer from India, was not given the award.
Jyothi has won over 90 medals in big competitions and has been winning in Asia for many years.
The MP says she deserves the award and that the way awards are given should be fair and clear.
He worries that if good athletes like Jyothi are not recognized, other young athletes might lose hope.
MP Dr. Maddila Gurumurthy urges the centre to review the Khel Ratna Award selection process.
Jyothi Surekha Vennam, an ace compound archer, has been consistently omitted from the Khel Ratna list.
Jyothi has won over 90 international medals and eight consecutive Asian Archery Championships.
The MP highlights the archer's achievements and questions the transparency of the selection process.
Gurumurthy warns that such decisions could affect the confidence of young athletes.
- Who
- MP Dr. Maddila Gurumurthy and archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam
- What
- Demand for review of Khel Ratna Award selection process
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Tirupati, India
- Why
- Omission of Jyothi Surekha from Khel Ratna list despite her achievements
- MP
- Dr. Maddila Gurumurthy
- Archer
- Jyothi Surekha Vennam
- Award
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
- Medals
- Over 90 international medals
- Achievements
- Eight consecutive Asian Archery Championships (2011-2025)
- Previous Award
- Arjuna Award
- Recipient
- Dr. Shobit Jain (Youth Affairs and Sports ministry joint secretary)
