Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal was conferred the nation's highest sporting honour Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna while 15 sportspersons received the Arjuna Award from President Pratibha Devisingh Patil at a function at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Sunday. The Khel Ratna award is considered to be the highest honor given to a player with significant contribution to the game on birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyanchand. Apart from a medal and citation, Saina was also awarded a cash prize of Rs 7.5 lakh. However, the ace shuttler was not present at the ceremony due to international commitments.