The Sports Ministry has reportedly recommended six-time world champion pugilist MC Mary Kom for the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award.
The move makes the Manipur boxer the first woman ever been recommended for the country’s second-highest civilian honour after Bharat Ratna. Meanwhile, 2019 World Champion and Olympic silver medallist shuttler PV Sindhu has been nominated for Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian honour.
Names of wrestler Vinesh Phogat, table tennis star Manika Batra, cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur (T20Is), hockey captain Rani Rampal, former shooter Suma Shirur and mountaineer twin sisters, Tashi and Nungshi Malik have been sent for Padma Shri awards.
“MP Ganesh and Tarundeep were late additions to the list. While the seven women recommended for Padma Shri this year are more or less certain to make the final list, Ganesh and Tarundeep’s cases will be decided by the Padma awards committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs,” a PTI report said.
The list is yet to be sent to the awards committee as the Sports Minister has not approved it. He is busy travelling and once he gives his approval, it will be forwarded to the awards committee,” the report added.
The names of Padma winners will be disclosed on the eve of the Republic Day next year.