Ignored for the Arjuna Award due to an “inadvertent” doping violation in 2012, boxer Amit Panghal has said he does not care for personal honours but pleaded for the Dronacharya Award for his coach in his formative years, Anil Dhankar.

Panghal became the first Indian to claim silver at the World Championships, at the just-concluded event in Ekaterinburg, Russia.
He is also an Asian Games and Asian Championships gold medallist. However, he has not been considered for the Arjuna Award due to a failed dope test back in 2012, for which he served a one-year ban.

The “inadvertent” violation occurred during the treatment he was undergoing for chickenpox that year. “I don’t really care for awards for myself but I would be grateful if Anil Dhankar, my formative coach, is considered for the Dronacharya Award. He has shaped me in my early years and had it not been for him, I would not have been the boxer that I am today,” Panghal said. “I began boxing in 2008 and Dhankar Sir has been my rock ever since. Even now, it is Dhankar Sir that I go to when I need guidance on any matter. An award for him would be an award for me too. In fact, it will make me happier,” he said.