The financial independence of professional sportspersons has never been more important than during this Coronavirus-caused lockdown period. And given their limited sources of income due to no sporting activity, it's unfair if these athletes are refused their due.

Maharashtra's long distance-running trio of Jyoti Gawate, Srinu Bugatha and Kalidas Hirave emerged champions at the Dailyworld Marathon in Chandigarh on March 31 last year but are yet to receive their monetary rewards.