New Delhi: The Karnataka high court today put a stay on ​Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award to be conferred to Sania Mirza after Paralympic athlete H N Girisha filed a plea against the same.

H N Girisha, a 2012 London Paralympics silver medallist expressed his displeasure over the way Sania’s name had been recommended by the Union sports ministry-appointed selection panel while over-looking his performances.

The Hassan-born high jumper, has also won bronze at the 2014 Incheon Asian Para Games.

Sania is currently ranked world number one in women’s doubles and created history by becoming the first Indian to win a women’s doubles Grand Slam title alongside Martina Hingis to clinch the Wimbledon trophy earlier this year.

Sania happens to become the second tennis player who has been recommended for this prestigious award. Earlier Leander Paes had been confered the honour way back in 1996 having achieved a bronze medal in the Atlanta Olympics.

(Agencies)