No Khel Ratna Award for Sportspersons in 2013/14
This will be the second time since it's inception in 1991 that the Khel Ratna Award will not be given to anyone.
Khel Ratna - India's highest award for sportspersons - will not be be presented this year. Instituted in 1991, this is just the second time after 1993-94 - that it would be skipped. (Also read: Despite CWG glory, wrestling coach Mahavir Phogat overlooked for Dronacharya award)
Named after former India Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the award honours both individual sportspersons as well as teams. It was presented to shooter Ronjon Sodhi last year. This year, golfer Jeev Milka Singh is believed to have been considered but his name was eventually taken off. (No recognition in sight, CWG gold medallist Jitu Rai mulls migration)
While no golfer has ever received this honour, shooters have been presented with the prestigious award seven times - the most for any sport. Cricketers Sachin Tendulkar (1997/98) and MS Dhoni (2007/08) were also proud recipients. (Indian Olympic Association orders probe in Glasgow scandal)
Chess Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand was the first sportsperson to be conferred with the honour.