Nashik: Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Nashik para-athlete Dilip Gavit returned without meeting Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray after reportedly waiting for more than two-and-a-half hours despite having a scheduled appointment.
Gavit, who recently won the gold medal in the men's 100m T47 event at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, had arrived with his coach, Vaijanath Kale, to meet Raj Thackeray at the appointed time. However, they were allegedly asked to wait, and the meeting did not take place even after a prolonged delay.
Expressing disappointment over the incident, coach Vaijanath Kale questioned the purpose of calling them if the meeting was not going to happen. Frustrated after waiting for over two hours, Gavit and Kale decided to leave without meeting the MNS chief.
Sources said that as soon as MNS office-bearers realised the duo were leaving, they rushed to persuade them to stay. Despite their efforts, Gavit and his coach declined to wait any longer and left the venue.
Dilip Gavit's recent triumph in Glasgow brought pride to Maharashtra and the nation, with the Nashik athlete clinching gold in the men's 100m T47 category. The incident has since drawn attention, with many questioning why a decorated sportsperson had to wait for such a long time despite a pre-scheduled meeting.
The MNS has not yet issued an official statement explaining why the meeting did not take place. The episode is expected to trigger reactions from political as well as sporting circles.
