Never demanded the Padma Bhushan: Saina Nehwal

Saina Nehwal

Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal has clarified that she never demanded the Padma Bhushan, but just wanted an explanation why her name was not considered. She said that wrestler Sushil Kumar is a good friend and people made it big, stressing that it shouldn’t have been put the way it was.

Saina Nehwal was snubbed for the Padma Bhushan this year, but Sushil’s name was recommended for the prestigious award. A rule states that the same person can’t win the Padma Bhushan twice in four years and that is the reason Saina missed out on the award the previous year.

Sushil Kumar last won the Padma Bhushan in 2011 and should have been illeligible for the award till 2016. However, his name was still forwarded for the coveted honour.

Saina clarified, “Don't know why it was shown that I demanded the award. Who am I to demand award? I just wanted to know why my name was not recommended.”

She said that she never raised any questions about Sushil’s recommendation.

She said, “Sushil is a great friend. People made it big. I'm upset about this and this is not the way how it should have been put.”

The 24-year-old was finally recommended for the award on Monday.