Mumbai: Saina Nehwal has been confirmed to become the recipient of this year’s Padma Bhushan award. The Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award in India, after the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan, but comes before the Padma Shri.
The 25-year-old World No. 2 women’s singles shuttler has already been a recipient of the Arjuna Award in 2009, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2010 and Padma Shri in 2010.
The Government of India is set to honor Nehwal with that award for her wonderful contribution to create awareness and spread the popularity of badminton in India.
Nehwal enjoyed a great 2015 by winning the India Grand Prix Gold in Lucknow, and the India Open Superseries title. She also became the first women’s singles players from India to reach the final of All England Championships, and the final of Badminton World Championships.
“I would like to thank the ministry for giving me Padma Bhushan. It is a great feeling, very honored. I would like to dedicate the award to my coach U. Vimal Kumar sir totally. The way he has helped me in the last one year is great and made me become World No.1 and so many other achievements,” said Nehwal in a statement.
“Also, I would like to thank my parents, physio Sidhharth and trainer Deckline Leitao for supporting me so much,” the 2012 Olympic bronze medalist added.
The award was established on 2 January 1954 by the president of India. It is awarded to recognize distinguished service of a high order to the nation, in any field. As of December 2015, 1230 people have thus far received the award.
