Sania Mirza’s Khel Ratna Award Hits Legal Roadblock

Bengaluru: Sania Mirza’s Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award has hit a legal roadblock. The sports ministry’s decision to confer the prestigious national award to the world’s leading tennis doubles star has been challenged by Paralympian H.N Girisha in the Karnataka High Court.
The court on Wednesday admitted Girisha’s petition and served notices to the sports ministry and Sania. Justice A S Bopanna, who heard the case on a petition filed by Girisha, directed the respondents to reply to the notices within 15 days.
In the High Court proceedings on Wednesday, Justice Bopanna sought replies from the respondents as to why Girisha’s name was overlooked in favour of Sania, considering the points system being implemented by the central government.
The award is normally given by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the National Sports Day celebrated on August 29. If Sania loses the award, it certainly will come as a setback for the 2015 Wimbledon doubles champion, who has had a fabulous season on the court with former Grand Slam singles champion Martina Hingis of Switzerland.
Girisha, who won the silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics, however said he deserved to win the country’s highest sporting award.
“Going by the ministry’s performance-based points system introduced to pick the award winner, I’m the top contender with 90 points. But Sania does not figure anywhere near the top,” Hassan-born Girisha had told a national daily earlier.
“I understand Sania has won Grand Slam titles but according to the ministry notification, only performances at the Olympics, Paralympics, Asiad, Commonwealth Games and World Championships from 2011 will be considered.”
According to sports secretary Ajit Sharan, sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal had recommended the Khel Ratna for Sania – making her only the second tennis player to be recommended for the honour. Leander Paes had been given the award in 1996.
Sania won her first women’s doubles Grand Slam title (Wimbledon) with Swiss partner Martina Hingis in June. She also became world number one before winning the grasscourt Major.