Could have won Khel Ratna if Punjab government had sent my nomination on time: Harbhajan Singh

Veteran Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was recently in the news after his nomination for the highest Indian sports honour was rejected by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Following the rejection, Harbhajan, has pleaded to the Punjab government (Sports Ministry) to look into the matter of the delay in his nomination for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, reaching the Central government.

In a video posted on his official YouTube channel 'Harbhajan Turbanator Singh', the off-spinner made an emotional plea to the Sports Minister of the Punjab government, Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi.

"I have come to know from the media that my nomination filed by the Punjab government for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna has been declined by the Centre with the reason being that the papers arrived quite late. I've learned that due to this delay, I won't be getting the award this year," said Harbhajan.

Harbhajan claimed that he had completed the formalities and submitted the form by March 20, 2019 itself and was curious to know how could the delay still occur.

"I would like to plead the Sports Minister of the Punjab Government to start an inquiry into the matter as to why and how the delay occured. Because, as far as I can remember, I had got the forms submitted into his office by March 20, but still it got delayed. If it had been on time, I could've won the award this year," reasoned Harbhajan.

Harbhajan Singh also said that such instances could discourage sportspersons leading to a number of them getting 'left behind'.

"For every sportsperson, it's an encouragement if his performances are recognised via awards. If such delays continue to happen, a number of players might get left behind and this is not right at some level. I hope that the the Minister concerned will definitely act on this and forward my nomination once again to the Centre," concluded Harbhajan Singh.