The sports ministry finally gave in to the demand made by
shuttler Saina Nehwal by recommending her for the Padma Bhushan award on
Monday. Saina, earlier, had criticised the ministry for ignoring her
for India's third highest civilian award and instead chose wrestler Sushil Kumar."I
was really sad my name was not sent to the ministry of home affairs by
the sports ministry of India. I hope sports ministry look up to this and
I will be more than happy if both me and Sushil get the award as we
both won medals in 2012 Olympics," Saina had tweeted on Saturday.However, on Sunday, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal responded to the criticism and said that his ministry had not received any nomination from Badminton Association of India prior to January 3, 2015. The sports minister also clarified regarding Sushil's selection by adding, "Sushil Kumar, a two times Olympian and medal winner, was recommended on merit. Nothing more should be read into it."
Saina had also questioned the criteria on the basis of which the sports ministry has recommended Sushil's name. As per the norms, there has to be a gap of at least five years between two Padma awards to the same person and Sushil, having got the Padma Shri in 2011, wouldn't have been eligible for the Padma Bhushan before 2016. However, the ministry has the prerogative to relax the rules in 'highly deserving' cases. The 24-year-old Saina said her name was rejected last year for the same reason.
The Olympic bronze medallist was bestowed the Khel Ratna and Padma Shri in 2010 and also received the Arjuna award in 2009.
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