Finally, Sports ministry to recommend Saina Nehwal for Padma Bhushan

New Delhi: Sports ministry on Monday decided to recommend the name of ace Indian shutter Saina Nehwal for the Padma Bhushan award.

Like wrestler Sushil Kumar, now Saina's name will also be forwarded as a special case.

"In view of the achievements of Ms. Saina Nehwal, the Department of Sports has decided to recommend her case for Padma Bhushan to the Ministry of Home Affairs as a special case although the last date for making the recommendation is long over," the Ministry said in a statement.

However, despite the recommendation from the ministry, it is quite unlikely for the 24-year-old to get the award this year -- government sources told Zee Media. But if any one from Prime Minister, Home Minister, Vice-President or President recommends Saina, then only her name would be considered. 

The last date for sending nomination for Padma Bhushan has been over on September 15, 2014.  

Earlier, Saina had showed disappointment after not being recommended for the prestigious award.

Saina had said that the Badminton Association of India (BAI) had recommended her name for the Padma Bhushan in August last year but the Sports Ministry rejected her application, citing norms.

However, later, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal clarified that his ministry received the letter of nomination of badminton star Nehwal for the Padma Bhushan on Saturday and said that it will "examine the possibility of recommending" her name for the award.

Sonowal, had also added that despite the late receipt of her application, his ministry would examine the possibility of recommending her name to the Home Ministry for the award.

The Hyderabadi shuttler​ had claimed that her application was rejected last year also on similar grounds but this year, the ministry decided to recommend Sushil's name even though he has not completed the five-year norm after being bestowed with the Padma Shri in 2011.

With Agency inputs