GUWAHATI: While congratulatory messages and best wishes have continuously been pouring in for the champion sprinter Hima Das after her recent appointment as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the state by the Assam government, a section of netizens has slammed the move.
At a time when unemployment in Assam is at an all-time high, with only a handful getting selected for the much-coveted government posts, netizens have questioned Hima’s clearance to hold such a high-ranking post. At the same time, they have expressed concerns that Hima’s official engagements might potentially hamper her career as an elite athlete.
Reacting to the development, one user wrote, “Sir I’m not encourage such things . They should grow in Sports area , government should create a committee headed by them to motivate sports in India instead of offering civil post. (sic)”
Sir I'm not encourage such things . They should grow in Sports area , government should create a committee headed by them to motivate sports in India instead of offering civil post
— Subhash.M🇮🇳 (@subhashtiptur) February 11, 2021
ALSO READ: Govt gives nod to ‘Dhing Express’ Hima Das as Assam Police DSP
Other netizens opined that the ‘Dhing Express’ should be appointed in a post in the arena of sports.
“Sorry to disagree with this pattern. At least international stars should be given suitable positions in the sports arena and utilise them for developing sports. Once they join railways, ONGC, or other departments, their focus on sports is lost. They fail at both places”, wrote a user.
Sorry to disagree with this pattern. At least international stars should be given suitable positions in the sports arena and utilise them for developing sports. Once they join railways, ONGC, or other departments, their focus on sports is lost. They fail at both places.
— gogreen (@Peacelover65) February 11, 2021
Another user claimed that many sportspersons get “lost” due to “instant fame, money and government jobs.
Good on the govt and Hima. But still want her to focus on her sport and win medals at internation events. Sadly our many sportspersons get lost due to instant fame, money and govt jobs etc. Today we have a real sports minister and will like to see our atheletes in Oylmpic podiums
— rajib bhattacharjee (@vatrajib) February 11, 2021
Furthermore, one user questioned, “has she done enough to get the promotion?”
Great news but had she done enough to get the promotion? 😁… Sorry if I hurt anyone sentiment but she didn't even participate in events… the only reason I see her getting prmotion is that it is just to advertise and promote womens involvement in the sports
— 1143Shiv (@shiv_1143) February 11, 2021
Responding to these negative reactions, Union sports ministry Kiren Rijiju said in a tweet, “She is currently training for Olympic qualification and will continue to run for India. Our elite Athletes are employed in various jobs yet continue to play. Even after retirement, they’ll be engaged in promoting sports.”
Many people are asking, what about Hima's sports career? She is training for Olympic qualification at NIS Patiala & will keep running for India. Our elite Athletes are employed in various jobs yet continue to play. Even after retirement, they'll continue to promote sports.
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) February 11, 2021
It needs mention here that the Assam state government took the decision to appoint Hima as a DSP on Wednesday.
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