Poonia's argument was based on the fact that in 2003, shooter Anjali Bhagwat was jointly given the Khel Ratna after she was initially ignored. Saying Anjali finally shared the award with athlete K.M. Beenamol in 2003, Poonia wanted to split this year's honour with Sodhi.
It is learnt that sports minister Jitendra Singh consulted his team before deciding that Sodhi's recommendation for the Khel Ratna be upheld.
No Khel Ratna for Krishna Poonia this year
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