Asked Punjab Government to withdraw my nomination for Khel Ratna, clarifies Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh has confirmed that he asked Punjab Government to withdraw his nomination for the Rajiv Khel Ratna award, which is considered to be highest sporting honour in India. So far, three cricketers - Sachin Tendulkar(1997), MS Dhoni(2007) and Virat Kohli(2018)- have received this award.
Seasoned off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who last donned the Team India jersey in 2016, revealed that it was he who has asked the Punjab government to withdraw his name from the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award nominations. Harbhajan took to Twitter and in a series of tweets explained that he asked for his name to be taken back since he was not eligible for the award, given that he hadn’t played international cricket in four years.
According to what is documented with the Indian Sports Ministry, one of the eligibility pointers for Khel Ratna nominations is "spectacular and outstanding performances in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of four years immediately preceding the year during which the award is to be given shall be honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award."
1.Dear friends
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 18, 2020
I have been flooded with calls as to why Punjab Govt withdrew my name from Khel Ratna nominations. The truth is I am not eligible for Khel Ratna which primarily considers the international performances in last three years.
2.The Punjab Govt is not at fault here as they have rightly withdrawn my name. Would urge my friends in media not to speculate. Thank you and regards 🙏🙏
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 18, 2020
Lot of confusion & speculation regarding my nomination for Khel Ratna so let me clarify. Yes last year the nomination was sent late but this year I only asked Punjab Govt to withdraw my nomination because I don’t fall under the 3-year eligibility criteria. Don’t speculate further
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 18, 2020
Harbhajan, who was a part of India’s World Cup-winning teams of 2007 and 2011, is the second-highest wicket-taker (417 wickets) among Indian spinners.
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