The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to urgently frame suitable criteria for considering hearing-impaired sportspersons for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, 2025, observing that the existing norms discriminate against them compared to para-athletes.

Justice Sachin Datta , in an order passed on Monday, noted that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 leaves “no scope of discrimination between persons having hearing impairment vis-à-vis those having physical or locomotor disability.” He further said that the absence of opportunity for deaf athletes under the Scheme of Cash Awards for Medal Winners in International Sports Events effectively results in a discriminatory regime.

The court was hearing a plea filed by Virender Singh , an internationally renowned

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