Harbhajan Singh Asks Punjab Government To Withdraw His Khel Ratna Nomination

Harbhajan Singh asked the Punjab government to withdraw his name from the prestigious Khel Ratna nomination. In a series of tweet, the veteran explained that he is not eligible to be nominated for the honour as it is awarded to an international athlete as a recognition for his performance in last three years.

“Dear friends, I have been flooded with calls as to why Punjab Govt withdrew my name from Khel Ratna nominations. The truth is I am not eligible for Khel Ratna which primarily considers the international performances in last three years.

“The Punjab Govt is not at fault here as they have rightly withdrawn my name. Would urge my friends in media not to speculate. Thank you and regards,” Harbhajan tweeted.

Lot of confusion & speculation regarding my nomination for Khel Ratna so let me clarify. Yes last year the nomination was sent late but this year I only asked Punjab Govt to withdraw my nomination because I don’t fall under the 3-year eligibility criteria. Don’t speculate further

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 18, 2020

2.The Punjab Govt is not at fault here as they have rightly withdrawn my name. Would urge my friends in media not to speculate. Thank you and regards ??

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 18, 2020

Last year, the nomination filed by Punjab government for Harbhajan Singh were rejected as it was not sent on time. In another tweet, he clarified that there has been a lot of confusions around his Khel Ratna nominations last year as well.

“Lot of confusion & speculation regarding my nomination for Khel Ratna so let me clarify. Yes last year the nomination was sent late but this year I only asked Punjab Govt to withdraw my nomination because I don’t fall under the 3-year eligibility criteria. Don’t speculate further,” Harbhajan Singh tweeted.

Lot of confusion & speculation regarding my nomination for Khel Ratna so let me clarify. Yes last year the nomination was sent late but this year I only asked Punjab Govt to withdraw my nomination because I don’t fall under the 3-year eligibility criteria. Don’t speculate further

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 18, 2020

Harbhajan Singh has aged like a fine wine. Once the flag-bearer of Indian spin bowling, the veteran is still eyeing to make a return for the national team, after having played his last international match in 2016.

Away from the international circuit, Harbhajan Singh has plied his trade for two most successful teams in the IPL – Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) – and continues to be a regular in the lucrative tournament.