Disappointed at being overlooked for an Arjuna Award, weightlifter Renubala Chanu on Monday returned her 2010 Commonwealth Games (CWG) gold medal to the sports ministry saying she will quit the sport if her achievements are not recognised in future. The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) had recommended the names of Renubala and Ravi Kumar for the Arjuna Award but only the latter was shortlisted for the honour.

Renubala, who won a CWG gold in the 58 kg category, said she was forced to take the step. "This (not getting the award) is a big letdown for me after being at the top level for 11 years. It has hurt me and I have no motivation left to continue in the sport. Hence I am returning my medal," she said.

Renubala claimed that she was more deserving for the award than Ravi Kumar. "He deserves to win the award but I am more deserving than him," said the 24-year-old from Manipur. Renubala, who had also won the gold in the 2006 CWG edition in Melbourne, is now seeking an assurance from sports minister Ajay Maken on getting the coveted award next year. "How long can I wait? There is always a possibility of getting injured in an athlete's career. I want an assurance from the sports minister that I would get the Arjuna Award next year. If I don't get the assurance I will quit," she said. IWF secretary general Sahdev Yadav told IANS that Renubala had been advised against returning her medal.

"I spoke to her in the morning. She said she is going to the sports ministry to return her medal. I told her that she should wait for another year. We recommended the names of both Renubala and Ravi Kumar thinking they both would get the nod. She should have got the award this year but there is nothing much we can do about it," said Yadav.