Sania recommended for Khel Ratna

New Delhi, August 1

The Sports Ministry today 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 won her career's first ever women's doubles Grand Slam title with Swiss partner Martina Hingis in June. She also became world No. 1 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 the AITA but the Minister accepted and recommended the same to the Awards Committee," Sharan told PTI. "But the final decision to give the honour rests with the Awards Committee," he clarified. 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.