Itanagar: A social welfare and cultural organisation in Arunachal Pradesh has urged Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to intervene in the exclusion of weightlifter Sambo Lapung from the Indian team for the upcoming Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship. Lapung, a three-time national gold medallist, was dropped from the final team despite his stellar record in the 96 kg category.
The East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organization (EKSWCO) described Lapung’s exclusion as a “serious lapse in fairness and transparency” by the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF). The organisation has questioned the selection criteria used by the IWF, alleging a lack of consistency and meritocracy.
EKSWCO claimed that Lapung’s exclusion not only diminishes his achievements but also hurts regional sentiments across Arunachal Pradesh and the northeast. The organisation perceived the decision as a “gross injustice” and a reflection of stereotyping and discrimination against athletes from the northeast.
The organisation has demanded that the IWF adopt a transparent, performance-based selection policy, placing greater weight on national championships. EKSWCO Chairperson Raya Flago urged Minister Rijiju to take up the matter personally with the IWF, stating that ignoring Lapung sends a disheartening message to the entire region.
Lapung’s inclusion, the organisation believes, would inspire young talents and reinforce the message that merit and hard work are duly rewarded. The Minister, who represents the Arunachal West parliamentary constituency, has been urged to address the issue and ensure fairness in the selection process.
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