Saina Nehwal only wanted to know the criteria for Padma Bhushan

Saina Nehwal on Monday said that she is upset that her quest to know the reason behind the rejection of her nomination for Padma Bhushan snowballed into a big controversy, saying that she never demanded for the prestigious award and that she would respect the decision of the Sports Ministry.

"I didn't really like the way media put it that I have demanded the award. Who am I to demand for the award. I am nobody. I am s sportsperson. I play for my country. I just wanted to know why my name was not considered. I just wanted the eligible players' name to be considered. That’s all. Finally what the penal decides is what I am going to respect," said Saina.

"My work is just to play for my country and win as many medals as possible. Rest, I don't know why I was simply put into this controversy and Sushil (Kumar) is a great friend and people have made it really big. i am really upset about it. This is not the right way to put it."

Meanwhile, the Sports Ministry on Monday recommended Saina for the Padma Bhushan award but insisted that it did not receive her nomination from the Badminton Association of India (BAI) within the stipulated timeperiod for the nomination.

"In view of the achievements of Ms. Saina Nehwal, the Department of Sports has decided to recommend her case for Padma Bhushan to the Ministry of Home Affairs as a special case although the last date for making the recommendation is long over," the Ministry said in a statement.