Hyderabad scored a remarkable double at the national awards with tennis star Sania Mirza and shuttle ace Saina Nehwal handed nominations for the Padma Bhushan, the third nation’s highest civilian hono
Hyderabad scored a remarkable double at the national awards with tennis star Sania Mirza and shuttle ace Saina Nehwal handed nominations for the Padma Bhushan, the third nation’s highest civilian honour.
Adding to the list of women winners confirmed on the day among an overall list of 112 by President Pranab Mukherjee, was archer Deepika Kumari, chosen for the Padma Shri.
For Sania, it will be the fourth time she is being honoured, having earlier received the Padma Shri, Khel Ratna and an Arjuna Award.
All three athletes were in stunning form in 2015, Sania winning as many as 10 titles last year, including two Grand Slams with Swiss great Martina Hingis, Saina Nehwal taking home two titles besides silvers at the world championships and All England, and Deepika homing in on silver at the Archery World Cup final and bronze medals at the World Cup Stage II and Asian Team Championships.
Saina, who missed out last year, also completed an award sweep having been conferred with the Khel Ratna and Padma Shri in 2010 and the Arjuna Award in 2009.
Deepika, who will be competing in the South Asian Games next month, has previously won the Arjuna Award, said the announcement on the day in the capital came as a shock.
“I am kind of shocked. I can’t believe this, it’s yet to sink in. It was only four-five days ago, I was telling my friend I dream of a Padma Award and want to work hard for this,” she told wire agency PTI.
“And a day later, late at night, I got a call from the federation that my name was nominated. I thought it’s just a nomination and I didn’t take it seriously. But this morning I got a confirmation and I’m jumping with joy. There has been a flood of calls. I took blessings from my coach and parents.
“This award is dedicated to my parents and coaches — Dharmendra Tiwari and Poornima Mahato.”
Veteran sports commentator Sushil Doshi was also chosen for the Padma Shri.
