NEW DELHI: In a first, the Sports Ministry, in its recommendations for this year's Padma awards, has made an all-women list of nine athletes.
Pride of place goes to six-time world champion boxer Mary Kom, who has been recommended for the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award, the first time a woman athlete’s name has been put forward by the Sports Ministry for the country’s second highest civilian honour after the Bharat Ratna.