Harbhajan Singh Says Punjab Authorities Withdrew His Khel Ratna Nomination As He Is “Not Eligible” | Cricket Information

Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh on Saturday clarified that the Punjab authorities withdrew his nomination for this yr’s Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award as he does not match within the eligibility standards for the nation’s highest sporting honour. Amid hypothesis over the withdrawal of his nomination, Harbhajan sought to clear the air. “I’ve been flooded with calls as to why Punjab Govt withdrew my identify from Khel Ratna nominations. The reality is I’m not eligible for Khel Ratna which primarily considers the worldwide performances in final three years,” the 40-year-old cricketer tweeted.

“The Punjab Govt will not be at fault right here as they’ve rightly withdrawn my identify. Would urge my pals in media to not speculate.”

Punjab Sports activities Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi mentioned that his division withdrew the nomination solely after receiving an e mail from Harbhajan, stating that he did not meet the eligibility standards for the award.

“We had strongly beneficial his nomination. However earlier than it may go to the screening committee or scrutiny committee, he (Harbhajan) suggested us to withdraw his software,” Sodhi advised PTI.

“I believe he will need to have seen the newest standards which the federal government of India has for the Khel Ratna award and could also be one thing which he observed that it can’t occur or perhaps he’s considering over making use of for another award. Each time he asks us, we’ll advocate him as a result of he’s a prime sportsman and a really high-quality gentleman. Punjab sports activities division has no points,” mentioned Sodhi.

Final yr, Harbhajan’s nomination for the Khel Ratna was rejected by the Sports Ministry on grounds that his documents had reached late.

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The cricketer had requested the Punjab sports activities minister to intervene on the time.

Harbhajan, who has 417 Check and 269 ODI wickets respectively, is an Arjuna Awardee and was additionally conferred with the Padma Shri. He final represented India in Check and ODIs in 2015.