Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports Sarbananda Sonawal on Sunday said that he will explore all possibilities to recommend Saina Nehwal's name for the Padma Bhushan, after the badminton ace was snubbed for the prestigious award.
"I received Saina's application yesterday. I will examine it tomorrow and see what can be done. I will try to explore all possibilities to help her out," Sonawal told ANI.
"My job is to extend the best possible support to the players. I am very concerned with [her case] and will explore all possibilities to recommend her," he added.
Nehwal had earlier expressed her disappointment over the Sports Ministry recommending wrestler Sushil Kumar for the award over her.
According to reports, the Olympic bronze medallist had said that she would have felt proud if the government had conferred the award to both Sushil Kumar and herself.
