Indian tennis queen Sania Mirza’s name has been approved for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award by a 12-member selection committee. It should be noted that the sports ministry had earlier recommended to forward her name to the committee. Sania is only the second tennis player to get the coveted award after Leander Paes in 1996-97. Sania Mirza has already been conferred with Arjuna Award in 2004 and Padma Shri in 2006.
- Sania won her career’s first ever women’s doubles Grand Slam title with Swiss partner Martina Hingis in July. She also became world number one before winning the Grass Court major.
- Sania also won the gold medal and the bronze medal in the mixed and women’s doubles categories in the 2014 Asian Games.
- Sania has also won the mixed doubles titles at Australia Open (2009), French Open (2012) and US Open (2014) and is currently the world’s No. 1 ranked doubles player.
The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (RGKR) is India’s highest honour given for achievement in sports, given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, government of India.
The Award carries a medal, a scroll of honour and a substantial cash component.
In 2005, the money has been increased from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 750,000.
Test Your Knowledge
Who is Current Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports?
Who is the current president of the International Olympic Committee?
