New Delhi: The Sports Ministry on Saturday confirmed 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 only the Awards Committee.
Sania clinched the Grand Slam doubles crown along with Swiss Miss Martina Hingis at Wimbledon this year. Her consistency and year-round performance makes her the hot favourite to win the award.
Watch: Sania Mirza-Martina Hingis create history, win Wimbledon Women's doubles title
Apart from winning the doubles title in Wimbledon, Sania also bagged the mixed-doubles trophy with Saketh Myneni to win gold in the Asian Games and bronze in women’s doubles with Prarthana Thombare at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. Add to that, she also won the US Open mixed-doubles title with Bruno Soares last year.
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 told said.
"But the final decision to give the honour rests with the Awards Committee," he clarified.
Watch: Sania Mirza has a special message for her fans
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 told PTI.
