With Saina Nehwal getting the Sports Ministry’s recommendation for the Padma Bhushan after a furore over her nomination being rejected, star India boxer Vijender Singh also threw his hat in the ring for the civilian honour but insisted he would not be “hurt” in case of a rejection.
Vijender said he preferably wanted two-time Olympic medal-winning wrestler Sushil Kumar to get the honour, as originally recommended by the Sports Ministry.
But in case, one more sportsperson is taken into consideration following Saina’s late application, then the Ministry might as well give his name a thought as well.
“I was awarded Padma Shri in 2010, the same year as Saina. And if you compare, then Saina and I are at par on performance. Since my 2008 Olympic bronze and the 2009 world championships bronze, I have gone on to win an Asiadgold, a bronze and a silver in the CWG besides a gold in the World Police Games. So, if her name can be considered then I can also try my luck,” Vijender said. “My first preference is Sushil, but in case the government is considering other names, then they can consider my name too.”.
The 29-year-old said he would have no hard feelings hould he be rejected for the honour this year.
Vijender has already requested Boxing India to forward his name but it remains to be seen whether the Sports Ministry will oblige given that the last date of submission of applications is long over.
BI stand
A Boxing India (BI) official said Vijender had been asked to send his application to the federation and then a call would be taken whether to forward it to the Sports Ministry.
