IPL: Rinku Singh set to be appointed regional sports officer by UP government

IPL: Kolkata Knight Riders' Rinku Singh is set to be named as the Regional Sports Officer by the Uttar Pradesh government. Rinku is being rewarded for his exceptional service with the Indian cricket team.

India cricketer Rinku Singh is set to be appointed as a Regional Sports Officer (RSO) by the Uttar Pradesh government. India Today has learnt that the state government is set to reward Rinku for his exceptional performances and commitment to the Indian team, which saw him win the T20 World Cup 2026 under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav.

Rinku endured a difficult period during the tournament due to his father’s illness and eventual death. The cricketer was shuttling between the Indian team and Greater Noida, where his father was undergoing treatment for Stage IV cancer.

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a major incentive package for athletes, under which players who have delivered outstanding performances at the international and national levels will be awarded government jobs, cash prizes, and prestigious sports honours.

Apart from Rinku, Rajkumar Pal - a member of the Indian hockey team that won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics - will be appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). Rajkumar hails from Ghazipur.

The state government is providing jobs to a total of six international medal-winning athletes. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will hand over appointment letters to these players at a felicitation ceremony at Lok Bhavan.

Paralympic high jump gold medallist Praveen Kumar (Gautam Buddh Nagar) will also be appointed as DSP. Paralympic javelin throw silver medallist Ajit Singh (Etawah) will be appointed as a District Panchayat Raj Officer. Paralympic 200m bronze medallist Simran (Ghaziabad) will also be given the post of District Panchayat Raj Officer.