In a move that could potentially have far-reaching consequences, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has recommended Saina Nehwal for the Padma Bhushan award as a ‘special case’.
At a media briefing on Monday evening, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal claimed that the decision was taken after considering the 24-year-old badminton player’s “commitment, contribution and achievement.”
The minister asserted, however, that this move should not be treated as a precedent.
The Sports Ministry claimed that the Badminton Association of India (BAI) had not sent the letter of recommendation until Saturday. Since Minister Sonowal was away from the city and there was no working day until Monday, Saina’s case could not have been considered earlier.
It was revealed at the media briefing that the letter dated August 9, 2014, was received at the Minister’s residence on Saturday. The Ministry of Home Affairs had invited the nominations for the Padma awards from May 1 to September 15 last year.
According to the Sports Ministry, a letter was circulated to all National Sports Federations and Sports Control Boards that set August 20 as the last date for receiving nominations.
After considering all cases, wrestler Sushil Kumar’s name was recommended to the Home Ministry. Saina’s allegation that the Sports Ministry had intimated her that she could not be considered in 2014 since she had received the Padma Shri in 2010 was quashed too.
Under normal circumstances, there’s a five-year period between two Padma awards. However, according to the ministry, her name had not been recommended by BAI for the 2014 list, and the discussion with Saina never took place.
Acknowledging the debate around the nomination process, Minister Sonowal claimed the decision to nominate Saina was impacted by his clear intention to encourage sportspersons and promote sport.
The Sports Minister also emphasised that he only viewed the nomination from a “sporting angle” and did not wish to be involved in “petty politics.”
Sonowal added that there was a provision that allows a person to apply directly for the Padma awards to the Home Ministry.
Yet, the reason to nominate Saina as a “special case” remained unclear. It’s widely accepted that her case for a Padma Bhushan recommendation had not been discussed until her outburst on Twitter.
Special Correspondent from Hyderabad adds
In a chat with The Hindu on Monday evening, BAI secretary (tournaments) K.Ch. Punnaiah Choudhary said: “We had recommended Saina’s name to the Ministry in August with all the relevant papers. And, we have the confirmation of it also. So, there is no question of BAI not responding in time.
“Anyhow, we are glad that the Sports Ministry has finally recommended Saina’s name. I did try to speak to her but there was no response. We hope she will get the award,” he added.
Though not available for comment, it is learnt that Saina told her family members that she was happy with the Sports Ministry’s decision.
Friends I m not demanding for the award my question was why my name was not sent to the home ministry and then of course the panel will
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) >January 3, 2015
‘Didn’t demand award’
She is also said to be disappointed at the way a section of the media had insinuated that she was demanding the award when she was merely raising her concerns.
On Saturday, a post on her Twitter account said: “Friends I m not demanding for the award my question was why my name was not sent to the home ministry and then of course the panel will decide the awards.(sic)”
Here's what the badminton player said over the Padma Bhushan row:
I got the Padma Shri in 2010 and there is a policy that u can get the next Padma award only after 5 years and this year I completed my five
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) >January 2, 2015
When I sent my file in 2014 for the Padma Bhushan award the ministry said u have to follow the rules and submit the application after 5
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) >January 2, 2015
Years so my file got rejected last year and I again applied this year for the award . I read that Sushil Kumar name is recommended by the
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) >January 2, 2015
Sports ministry and he is not completed 5 years as a special case but even i won the Olympic bronze medal in 2012 and won many titles in2014
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) >January 2, 2015
I won the commonwealth games gold in 2010 and I m world number 4. As a player we feel good when we get such a great award and it motivates .
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) >January 2, 2015
I hope sports ministry look up to this and I will be more than happy if both me and Sushil gets the award as we both won medals in 2012
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) >January 2, 2015
Olympics . But I think rule is rule for me they said u have to wait for 5 years to get the award .
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) >January 2, 2015