This year's Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awards, given for sporting excellence, have plunged into controversy as wrestler Bajrang Punia said he would approach the court after missing out on the honour.
Punia and fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat had received the highest score—80—based on their achievements, The Times of India reported on Friday.
Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli's 'score' was zero, as there is no points system for cricket, which is not an Olympic sport. TOI reported that due to this, cricketers are mostly selected through consensus, leaving the decisions open to criticism.
Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who has also been chosen for the award, received 44 points, which is still much less than Punia and Phogat. Para-athlete Deepa Malik had 78.4 points and table-tennis player Manika Batra 65.
Kohli's name had been rejected in 2016 and 2017.
Punia told TOI that he had "immense respect" for Kohli and Chanu but "if I look at my credentials and that of Mirabai, there is no comparison. You gave her the award, give it to me as well, it's simple".
Kohli and Chanu are expected to receive their awards on 25 September.