Wimbledon doubles champion Sania Mirza has been nominated for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the Indian Sports Ministry confirmed on Friday.
However, the ministry made it clear that the final decision only rests with the Awards Committee.
Sania had won her first career women’s doubles Grand Slam title with partner Martina Hingis at Wimbledon last month. It was also her first title at the All-England Club in the seniors category. She had before become the first Indian female tennis player to be world number one (in doubles).
“We had got a late recommendation from AITA but the Minister accepted that and recommended the same to the Awards Committee,” Sports Secretary Ajit Sharan said.
“But the final decision to give the honour rests with the Awards Committee,” he clarified.
Sania, who has won four Grand Slam titles in her career, will compete with the likes of squash player Dipika Pallikal and discus thrower Vikas Gowda for the prestigious award.
