He was awarded the Padma Shri , a civilian award in 2001 .
He is the recipient of India 's highest sporting honour , the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award for the year 1999 -- 2000 .
recipient was awarded the Padma Shri , a civilian award in 2001 .
He is the recipient of India 's highest sporting honour , the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award for the year 1999 -- 2000 .