In a letter to national sports federations, IOA and the Home Ministry, Joint Sports Secretary I Srinivas has said athletes who are unable to turn up for receiving National Sports awards (Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyanchand) and civillian honours like the Padma awards will have to give prior information and "compelling" reasons for their absence.

"At the time of the ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan, the awards will be conferred upon the awardees who are present. No person other than the awardees will receive the award and prize money at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The awardees, who are not able to come to receive the award on the National Sports Day, can receive the same later from the Minister in charge for Youth Affairs and Sports. "It is reiterated that, in the event of an awardee being unable to attend the award ceremony for compelling reasons, the same shall be intimated to this Ministry well in advance. In case of leave for absence being granted, alternative arrangements will be made for him or her to receive the award at a later date", the letter said.

It is further clarified that in the event of a sportsperson not giving such prior intimation the award would stand withdrawn," the letter stated, while adding that the same guidelines should be applied for Padma awards as well. Dhoni and Harbhajan, who were awarded the Padmashree, skipped the ceremony on April 14 causing a furore. While Harbhajan cited family issues for his absence, Dhoni has kept mum on the matter amid reports that he was busy with commercial commitments. The duo was later defended by the BCCI but a livid Sports Minister M S Gill lashed out at them saying, athletes should show respect to national honours.