Sources familiar with the situation confirmed the names to ANI. "We had a lengthy debate and agreed to submit Ashwin's name, as well as the names of women's Test and ODI skipper Mithali, for the Khel Ratna. We're recommending Dhawan for the Arjuna again, along with Rahul and Bumrah "According to the source.
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The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports had already announced that the deadline for submitting applications for the next National Sports Awards 2021 would be extended. Previously, the deadline for applications was June 21.
Nominations/applications for the award were invited from qualifying athletes, coaches, entities, and colleges, and they were to be emailed in accordance with an official statement from the ministry.
Last year, the Khel Ratna Award was given to Manika Batra, Rohit Sharma, Vinesh Phogat, Rani Rampal, and Mariyappan Phangavelu, marking the first time that five athletes were honoured in the same year.