National level paralympian forced to beg in Bhopal

Manmohan Singh Lodhi, a national level paralympian, has started begging on the streets of Bhopal after the state government failed to fulfill promises of job and other things made after he won medals on national levels.

The sprinter hails from Kandrapur village of Narsinghpur district’s Goteganv tehsil and lost one of his arms in 2009.

Lodhi has won several medals at state levels and even won a bronze medal for Madhya Pradesh at national level. He was also nominated for a national award.

“I have met Chief Minister four times, he made promises but didn’t fulfil any of them. I am financially weak. I need money to play & also to run my family. If CM doesn’t help me, I will earn my livelihood by begging on the streets,” says Lodhi.

Earlier this year, Lodhi went on a hunger strike after he failed to get a job he was promised.

I have met Chief Minister four times, he made promises but didn't fulfil any of them. I am financially weak. I need money to play & also to run my family. If CM doesn't help me, I will earn my livelihood by begging on the streets: Para-athlete Manmohan Singh Lodhi pic.twitter.com/zVflxTOJy5

— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2018

This is not the first instance where an Indian athlete has been forced to beg because of goof-ups. Last year at Para Swimming Championships, Kanchanmala Pande had to beg on the streets of Berlin after government approved money failed to reach the athletes. Kanchanmala, who is completely blind and swims in the S11 category, went on to win silver at the event.

First Published: Sep 02, 2018 17:58 IST