Controversial appointment of embezzlement-accused as badminton trainer raises concerns

In a controversial move, Yogendra Singh Ranawat, who was previously relieved of his duties for embezzlement, has been appointed as a badminton trainer by the Rajasthan State Sports Council. Ranawat was initially hired as a trainer in 2022 by the District Sports Officer under a contract with M/s Prahlad Narayan Contractor, Jaipur. However, he was accused of embezzling funds by charging players more than the prescribed fees and diverting the extra money to his personal bank account. The controversial appointment of Ranawat has sparked serious concerns regarding transparency and accountability in the management of sports appointments in Rajasthan.
After players’ complaints, an investigation found that Ranawat was charging Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500 instead of the prescribed Rs 500 for junior players and Rs 800 for senior players. As a result, District Collector Arvind Poswal dismissed him and blacklisted him for financial misconduct.
Despite these allegations, District Sports Officer Ramratan Gurjar recommended Ranawat for a short-term trainer position on September 19, 2024. Ranawat assumed the role on October 1, 2024, raising concerns over the decision to overlook his past actions.
Ranawat is also running the Dr.Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Badminton Hall in Kumbha Nagar, where he charges fees higher than those set by the Municipal Council. His involvement in both Kumbha Nagar and Indira Gandhi Stadium badminton halls has led to questions about his ability to handle both positions.
When asked by The Daily Guardian, District Sports Officer Ramratan Gurjar said, “I did not receive any written complaints. I received proposals from several players, and based on NIS qualifications, I forwarded Ranawat’s name to the Rajasthan State Sports Council, where he was appointed by the Secretary.”