Cricketer Sushma Verma awarded with job, Olympic medalist Kumar upset

Indian cricketer Sushma Verma on Tuesday accepted the Himachal Pradesh government’s offer of a deputy superintendent of police post. She was also awarded a cheque of INR 5 lakhs.  But all wasn’t too well around the sporting circuit, as captain Vijay Kumar, Olympic silver medalist in 2012, expressed his disappointment on being ignored.

Kumar has around 50 medals in international events and a tally of around 150 medals overall. He is still waiting for a government job for the laurels he brought the country.  Kumar retired from the army in February this year, and since then hasn’t received any response from the sports department.

“I am shocked and feel sad as how all medals and confers which came to me, have become meaningless in my own state. I feel discriminated,” says Capt Vijay Kumar who hails from Hamirpur district. Sushma was a part of the Indian team that lost to England by nine runs in the Women’s World Cup final in England, but the girls were rewarded and cheered for the prolific run through out the world event.

“After fulfilling my dream as a woman cricketer of international ranking, my second dream of joining the police has come true. I really feel privileged and honoured by the state government’s offer,” she said. Sushma hails from village Gadheri, a part of Shimla constituency represented by Chief Minister. Director General of Police Somesh Goyal was also present at Holly Lodge ,when she was invited this morning.

The wicketkeeper-batter has represented India in 29 ODIs, scoring 64 runs, with a best of 33. She also has 31 catches and 36 stumpings to her credit. Apart from India, Sushma played for Indian Board President’s XI and India blue women. Under her captaincy, the Himachal unit were the runners-up at the Under-19 All-India women’s tournament in the year 2011. She is the first cricketer from Himachal Pradesh to represent India in international cricket.