Sania Mirza
Sania Mirza has been carrying India's flag on her shoulders in the women's tennis circuit for some time now.Reuters

Sania Mirza, who was all set to be awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, has suffered a major blow as the Karnataka High Court decided to put a stay on the award after paralympian HN Girisha challenged it in the court.

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The Indian tennis star was recommended for the honour by the sports ministry after her splendid performance in the women's doubles competition in the international arena, as she had also become the first woman from India to be ranked No. 1 in doubles.

HN Girisha, 2012 London Paralympics silver medallist and 2014 Incheon Asian Para Games bronze medallist, feels that the he deserved the award more than Sania Mirza.

When reports emerged that Sania was all set to receive the award, the Paralympian stated he was the top contender for the Khel Ratna Award.

However, with this stay order, it remains to be seen if the tennis star will receive India's highest honour for achievement in the field of sports -- Khel Ratna.