Saina Nehwal likely to be recommended for Padma Bhushan in 2015

Mumbai: Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in an interview to NDTV, said that Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal might be recommended for Padma Bhushan Award in 2015. On Friday, Nehwal expressed displeasure being overlooked for the honour over two-time Olympian champion grappler Sushil Kumar.

“Saina is one of the greatest badminton players and she has made every Indian proud. My ministry will definitely examine the possibility of sending her name for the awards,” said Sonowal.

But the minister pointed out that Badminton Association of India (BAI) were a tad late while sending the nomination.

“The staff at my bungalow received a packet that had a letter recommending Saina's name, only yesterday. Even my private secretary received an email from Badminton Association yesterday,” he added.

However, the BAI letter was dated August 9. 2014. The shuttler questioned Sushil’s selection on the grounds of violation of an existing rule that any person – who already has received a Padma category award – cannot be nominated for a higher category within five years. Sushil received Padma Shri in 2011.

Sonowal said, " I have also read about this rule. We will have this examined tomorrow and I am sure the Home Ministry on its part, will also scrutinise the record."