AP CM writes to Gill to relook Sailaja’s non-selection

Sailaja earlier met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and sought his intervention into her non-selection.

Seeking ‘justice’ for weightlifter Sailaja Pujari, who was not selected for the Olympics, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy on Tuesday urged Union Sports Minister M S Gill to have a ‘personal relook’ into the matter.

“We came to know through media that Sailaja Pujari, woman weightlifter from Andhra Pradesh in 75 kg category was denied a berth in the Indian team for Olympics, though she qualified in selection trials.

“I understand that Sailaja has shown excellent performance in the camp and considerable improvement on her previous performance. Moreover, she is very likely to fetch a medal for India in the 75-kg category,” Reddy said in a letter to Gill.

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“I would, therefore, request you to have a personal relook at the selection of women weightlifter from India, in view of the controversy surrounding the non-selection of Sailaja. I will appreciate your kind help in the matter,” he said.

Sailaja earlier met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and sought his intervention into her non-selection.