Olympic bronze medallist Sarabjot Singh has refused a government job offer from Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini, opting to focus on his shooting career instead.
Singh, who was offered the position of deputy director in the sports department, expressed his gratitude for the proposal but said that his priority remains his athletic pursuits.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Sarabjot emphasized his commitment to shooting, explaining that while his family “encourages him to secure a stable job,” his passion for the sport takes precedence.
"I want to work on my shooting first. My family has also been asking me to get a decent job, but I want to do shooting," Sarabjot said.
Replying to whether he would accept the offer or not Singh said, “It is not about accepting anything. I don't want to go against some decisions that I have made, so I cannot do a job right now."
His coach, Abhishek Rana, who has mentored the 22-year-old since the beginning of his career, has put forward a request to the government for Sarabjot to be considered for the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
Rana highlighted that similar honours have been granted to other medalists in the past and argued that such recognition could inspire more youth to take up sports.
“We are not the first asking for this. This has happened in the past as well and many medalists are still serving (in the police).
Look at Uttar Pradesh, Asian medallists were given the DSP post. I think the inclination of youngsters for sports will increase when better jobs are offered," Rana added.
The statements came a day after Sarabjot and fellow Olympian Manu Bhaker met with Chief Minister Saini in Chandigarh, where they were reportedly offered government positions.
On Saturday, Sarabjot, accompanied by his father Jatinder Singh and coach Rana, was welcomed by former Union minister Venod Sharma and Ambala mayor Shakti Rani Sharma at their residence. Bhaker and Singh’s duo was also felicitated by the Central Phoenix Club, where Rana's AR Shooting Academy is based.
According to reports, Rana said the government is arranging a state-level program to honour all the Olympic medalists in Rohtak on August 17.
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