Sansad Khel Mahotsav Row unfolded in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone district after young athletes protested during the closing ceremony. The incident took place at the stadium on Bistan Road, where the event concluded amid chaos and anger.
School-level players accused organisers of unfair treatment. They said winners received only medals and certificates, not cash prizes. Athletes claimed that in neighbouring Barwani district, the same festival awarded prize money for first, second, and third positions. This difference sparked outrage among participants in Khargone.
During the ceremony, several players tore their certificates and threw medals onto the ground. They surrounded Rajya Sabha MP Sumer Singh Solanki and demanded prize money. Protesters also alleged poor arrangements and said organisers kept them hungry and thirsty during the event.
As tensions rose, the MP left the venue without addressing the players. His departure further angered the athletes, who continued protesting inside the stadium.
Later, MP Sumer Singh Solanki said he had no dedicated funds for prize money. He explained that wherever cash awards were given, organisers arranged funds locally. He added that the Sansad Khel Mahotsav started on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday and ended on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary.
The incident raised questions about planning, transparency, and equal treatment of athletes across districts.
