Controversy Erupts Over Ritu Negi's Exclusion from Himachal Pradesh Cash Award List

Ritu Negi, a celebrated kabaddi player from Himachal Pradesh, has been controversially excluded from a cash award list following India's gold medal win at the 2026 Asian Games. This decision has ignited outrage among her family, sports circles, and political leaders, raising questions about the influence of her marriage in Haryana on the state's recognition of her achievements. Despite being a key player in the gold-winning team, Negi's omission has left her and her supporters seeking answers. The situation highlights broader issues of state identity and recognition for athletes, particularly those who maintain ties to their home states after marriage. As the government faces scrutiny, the future of this decision remains uncertain.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 9, 2026, 18:59 IST

Ritu Negi's Exclusion Sparks Outrage

Himachal Pradesh is facing backlash after Ritu Negi, a celebrated kabaddi player and Arjuna Award winner, was left off the state government's list of athletes eligible for a cash prize of ₹1 crore following India's gold medal achievement at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Negi, originally from the Shillai region of Sirmaur and now residing in Haryana, expressed her profound disappointment over the decision. Initially, her name was included in a prior list of awardees and even featured in a congratulatory message from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

Ritu Negi's Reaction

#WATCH | Nagoya, Japan: Ritu Negi, a member of the gold-medal-winning Indian women's Kabaddi team, stated, "I would like to thank you a lot. We really needed this Gold. We won Gold last year as well and it was a huge responsibility to retain that...We dedicate this medal to our countrymen and families because we are here with their support, cooperation, love and blessings..."

The exclusion has drawn criticism from her family, sports enthusiasts, and opposition leaders, raising concerns about whether her marriage in Haryana influenced the decision. The state government has yet to clarify the rationale behind her omission.

Details of the Award Announcement

On October 5, Chief Minister Sukhu announced cash awards of ₹1 crore for three players from Himachal Pradesh who were part of the gold-winning women's kabaddi team: Pushpa Rana, Jyoti Thakur, and Bhawna Thakur. Notably, Indian women's cricket player Renuka Thakur was also included in the announcement.

Despite being a key member of the Indian kabaddi team that secured gold at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Negi's name was absent from the final list released by the government. Reports indicate that her name had previously appeared alongside the other kabaddi players.

Seeking Answers

The sudden change has left Negi and her family searching for answers. She expressed confusion over the government's shift in stance, especially after receiving congratulatory messages from political figures following India's victory.

Four daughters from Himachal Pradesh have been selected to represent India in kabaddi, including:

Pushpa Rana — Sirmaur, Captain
Ritu Negi — Sirmaur, former India captain
Jyoti Thakur — Solan
Bhawna Thakur — Mandi

This achievement marks a proud moment for both Himachal Pradesh and Indian kabaddi.

Ritu Negi's Legacy

Ritu Negi is a prominent kabaddi player from the Shillai area of Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh. Renowned for her defensive skills, she has been a vital part of the Indian women's kabaddi team, previously leading them to an Asian Games gold medal.

Negi was part of the team that won silver at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and later contributed to India's gold medal win at the 2019 South Asian Games in Kathmandu. She captained the team to gold at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, held in 2023.

Her outstanding performances earned her the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2023, presented by President Droupadi Murmu in January 2024. Following her recent success at the 2026 Asian Games, her exclusion from the cash award list has raised significant questions about how the state acknowledges its athletes.

Family's Perspective

Negi's father, Bhavan Singh Negi, has also voiced his concerns regarding the decision. He questioned whether a woman ceases to be recognized as a daughter of her home state simply due to marriage in another state.

He highlighted that Ritu had previously received a cash award from the Himachal Pradesh government after the 2022 Asian Games, despite her marriage in Haryana. This argument has become central to the ongoing debate, with the family insisting that Negi's achievements and ties to Himachal Pradesh should not be overlooked.

Political Reactions

Baldev Singh Tomar, a former BJP MLA from Shillai, condemned the government's decision, claiming it undermines the dignity of a Himachali daughter and tarnishes the state's pride. He emphasized that two players from Shillai were part of the gold-winning Indian women's kabaddi team at the 2026 Asian Games.

Tomar urged the government to reconsider its stance and ensure that Negi receives the recognition she deserves for her contributions to Indian sports.

Awaiting Government Clarification

Sources within the Himachal Pradesh government have indicated that officials are monitoring the situation, particularly in relation to Haryana's stance on the matter. They suggested that a decision could be forthcoming, especially since the Haryana government has not yet announced a cash award for Negi.

While officials have stated that Negi's employment with Indian Railways is not a factor, the government has yet to provide a public explanation for her removal from the award list. With the Sports Minister promising to review the situation, all eyes are on whether the Himachal Pradesh government will rectify this oversight.