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The national sports awards have been delayed as the Sports Ministry re-evaluates recommendations to ensure only deserving athletes are honoured. Concerns over past controversies and weak criteria prompted the review. Hardik Singh is the sole Khel Ratna nominee, while 24 athletes, including Divya Deshmukh and Tejaswin Shankar, are shortlisted for Arjuna awards.

New Delhi: The eagerly-awaited national sports awards have been uncharacteristically delayed this year and sources in the Sports Ministry said it is because of a re-evaluation process that is currently underway to ensure that "only the deserving" athletes get the honour.

The awards selection committee had given its recommendations in December last year after the process of nominations was started slightly later than usual. However, the approved names are not yet out as the ministry is re-assessing the recommendations.

"The list of Arjuna award recommendations is being re-evaluated right now. The value of these awards should not get diminished, that's the goal," a source said on Monday.

"It shouldn't be the case that we have Arjuna awardees in every nook and corner but when you ask them about their accomplishments, there is nothing much to show. And then not to forget the litigations and outrageous media statements that come out in some cases," he added, referring to past controversies of athletes taking the matter to judiciary on not being considered.