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New Delhi, Aug 1
The Sports Ministry confirmed on Saturday that Wimbledon doubles champion Sania Mirza has been recommended for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna but made it clear that the final decision rests with the Awards Committee.
Sania won her career’s first ever women’s doubles Grand Slam title with Swiss partner Martina Hingis in June. She also became world number one before winning the Grass Court major.
Sports Secretary Ajit Sharan said the Sports Minister Sarbanada Sonowal has indeed recommended to the tennis exponent for the highest honour given for achievement in sports.
“We had got a late recommendation from AITA but the Minister accepted that and recommended the same to the Awards Committee,” Sharan said.
Sania, who has won three mixed doubles Grand Slams in her career, is reportedly competing with Squash player Deepika Pallikal and discus thrower Vikas Gowda for the prestigious award.
Sania’s father and coach Imran Mirza said it was a great honour for her to be recommended for the Khel Ratna.
“It is a great honour to be nominated for the Khel Ratna award. This is surely going to inspire her to earn more laurels for the country,” Imran Mirza said.
