After Calling PV Sindhu, Sakshi Malik 'Gold Medallists', Vijay Goel Says 'Slip of Tongue'
Vijay Goel faced criticism on social media on Sunday after referring to Rio Olympics medallists PV Sindhu and Sakshi Malik as 'gold medallists' during a press briefing earlier in the day
Highlights
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Vijay Goel referred to PV Sindhu and Sakshi Malik as 'gold medallists'
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Goel clarified on Monday that it was a 'slip of tongue'
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The Sports Minister has been in the midst of controversy recently
Vijay Goel, Union Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs, on Monday said it was just a slip of tongue after he faced criticism for referring to wrestler Sakshi Malik and badminton star PV Sindhu as 'gold medallists', even though they had won bronze and silver medals respectively at the recently concluded 2016 Rio Olympics.
"One should not make an issue of it. It was just a slip of tongue, I wanted to say medallist, but ended up saying gold medallist. It happens at times. Who knows, might be with god's grace, we might a bag gold medal in the coming years," said Goel.
Goel had earlier met Sindhu and Malik in the national capital and lauded them for bringing honour to the nation at Rio.
"In the 'Mann Ki Baat' address, the Prime Minister has encouraged the players of the Rio Olympics and other players. I think their dedication to their games deserves a national welcome. We will keep taking initiatives that will take sports forward. We will also prepare for the upcoming Olympics for 2020, 26, 28," he added.
Earlier, organisers at the recently-concluded Rio Olympics had threatened to cancel the accreditation of sports minister Vijay Goel and withdraw privileges offered to him because of the alleged misbehaviour of aides who had accompanied him.