IPL 2026: Rinku Singh Set To Be Appointed Sports Officer By Uttar Pradesh Government

Add as a preferred source on Google

Indian cricketer Rinku Singh is reportedly set to be appointed as a Regional Sports Officer (RSO) by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in recognition of his outstanding performances and dedication to the national team. According to a report by the Navbharat Times, the move comes as a reward for his contribution to India's success in the T20 World Cup 2026 under captain Suryakumar Yadav.

The report also highlights the personal challenges Rinku faced during the tournament, as he dealt with his father's serious illness and eventual passing. During that period, he was frequently travelling between the Indian team and Greater Noida, where his father was receiving treatment for Stage IV cancer.

Hockey Superstar Appointed DSP

Alongside Rinku Singh, several other Indian sportspersons are set to receive government appointments. Rajkumar Pal, a member of the Indian hockey team that secured a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, will be appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). Hailing from Ghazipur, he is among the athletes being recognised by the state.

The Uttar Pradesh government will provide jobs to a total of six international medal-winning athletes. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will formally hand over the appointment letters during a felicitation ceremony at Lok Bhavan.

Among the others being honoured, Paralympic high jump gold medallist Praveen Kumar from Gautam Buddh Nagar will also be appointed as a DSP. Paralympic javelin throw silver medallist Ajit Singh from Etawah and Paralympic 200m bronze medallist Simran from Ghaziabad will be appointed as District Panchayat Raj Officers.

Preetipal from Muzaffarnagar, who clinched bronze medals in both the 100m and 200m events at the Paralympics, will be appointed as a Block Development Officer (BDO).

During the ceremony, nine athletes will be honoured with the prestigious Lakshman Award and Rani Lakshmibai Award for 2024-25. Each awardee will receive a cash prize of ₹3.11 lakh along with a bronze statuette in recognition of their achievements.

In addition, the Uttar Pradesh government will distribute a total cash reward of ₹1.64 crore among 14 players. Furthermore, 19 athletes will receive financial support totalling ₹8.75 lakh under the Eklavya Sports Fund.

Lakshman Award (General Category) Recipients

Rani Lakshmibai Award (General Category) Recipients

Rani Lakshmibai Award (Para Category) Recipients

Key honourees include Shravan Kumar (Baghpat), Yash Tomar (Baghpat), and Ishan Khan (Baghpat). Other notable athletes being recognised are Pragati Kesarwani (Lucknow) and Vantika Agarwal (Gautam Buddh Nagar).

This initiative highlights the state government's continued support and encouragement of athletes excelling at national and international levels.