Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal [ Images ] received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna [ Images ] award from Sports Minister M S Gill after missing out on the August 29 ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan due to the World Championships in Paris.

"Dr M S Gill, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, gave away Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award for the year 2010 to Ms Saina Nehwal at a simple ceremony here today," the Sports Ministry said in a statement.

"As she was in Paris taking part in World Championship when the National Sports Awards were conferred by the President of India [ Images ] on August 29, she could not receive the Award on that occasion. In view of this, the Award was conferred on her today," it added.

The award carries a medal, citation and cash prize of Rs 7.5 lakh.

Saina won the Indonesia Super Series, Singapore Open super Series, Indian Open Grand Prix [ Images ] this year.

She had won the Indonesia Super Series and the Indian Open Grand Prix last year.

The Hyderabadi was a semifinalist in last year's World Championship and in the All England [ Images ] Super Series this year.

She won the women's singles gold medal in Commonwealth Games [ Images ] last month. She was conferred the Arjuna Award last year.