New Delhi / Hyderabad: The sports ministry on Monday decided to recommend badminton star Saina Nehwal for the Padma Bhushan award on Monday, but insisted that it did not receive her nomination from the Badminton Association of India within the stipulated deadline.

“In view of the achievements of Ms. Saina Nehwal, the department of sports has decided to recommend her case for the Padma Bhushan to the home ministry as a special case although the last date for making the recommendation is long over," the ministry said in a statement.

“The ministry had not received her nomination from the BAI or any other agency, for the Padma Bhushan for 2014.” Reacting to the development, Saina told this newspaper: “I would like to thank the sports ministry for putting my name forward.”

“I am thankful to Mr Sonowal sir for doing this and it's a great support. Sonowal sir took quick action. He is a great supporter of sports. I really would like to thank him,” she added. Saina had said that the BAI had recommended her name last August.