New Delhi, Jun 19 (IANS): Minerva Football Academy has been recommended this year for the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar by the Punjab government and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

The award recognises contribution by private entities into sports and provide encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility. It also takes into account the employment entities given to sports persons and their sports welfare measures apart from the nurturing of young talent.

"I am delighted that Minerva Academy Football Club has been nominated for the prestigious Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar," Ranjit Bajaj said in a statement

"It is an honour just to be nominated for the prestigious national award, and I hope we will be selected as the deserving recipients of the same."

The Sports Ministry had earlier in the month extended the deadline for submission of applications for the National Sports Awards till June 22.

Besides, the ministry has also allowed the sportspersons to file their nomination either by self application considering the difficulties faced by them in "getting the recommendation of the prescribed authorities/persons due to country-wide lockdown on account of COVID-19 pandemic."

June 3 was to be the last day of completing the nomination process, but this has now been extended along with the relaxation in the process.