Kidambi Srikanth apologises to BAI, recommended for Khel Ratna Award

New Delhi: The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has recommended Kidambi Srikanth for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award following player's apology to the federation for his conduct during the Asian Championship earlier this year.

Former World No. 1 Srikanth and HS Prannoy had left the squad at Asian Badminton Championship in Manila in February, despite being advised not to leave, which put India's chances of winning the medal at the championship in lurch, BAI said on Friday in a media release.

India lost in semi-finals against Indonesia. It led BAI not to recommend either of them on disciplinary grounds during for this year's National Sports Awards. However, Srikanth has now tendered an unconditional apology and has been recommended for the prestigious award.

"We have received an email from Srikanth in which he has accepted the mistake and he has also promised to not indulge in such activities in the future. Considering the talent of Srikanth and the accomplishments, we have decided to recommend his name for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award," BAI General Secretary Ajay Singhania said in a statement.

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