Sania Mirza's Khel Ratna Stayed by Karnataka High Court

File Photo of Sania Mirza

The decision to honour tennis star Sania Mirza with the Khel Ratna has been stayed after the Sports Ministry’s move was challenged by Paralympian H.N Girisha in the Karnataka High Court.

The ministry had decided to award Sania – the world No. 1 women’s doubles player – after what has been a strong year on the tennis court.

Girisha, who won the silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics, however said he deserved to win the country’s highest sporting award. “Going by the ministry’s performance-based points system introduced to pick the award winner, I’m the top contender with 90 points. But Sania does not figure anywhere near the top,” Hassan-born Girisha had told a national daily earlier. “I understand Sania has won Grand Slam titles but according to the ministry notification, only performances at the Olympics, Paralympics, Asiad, Commonwealth Games and World Championships from 2011 will be considered.”

According to sports secretary Ajit Sharan, sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal had recommended the Khel Ratna for Sania – making her only the second tennis player to be recommended for the honour. Leander Paes had been given the award in 1996.

Sania won her first women’s doubles Grand Slam title with Swiss partner Martina Hingis in June. She also became world number one before winning the Grass Court major.