New Delhi, National Rifle Association of India recommended Asian Games gold medallist Jitu Rai has been recommended for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award for his exploits in pistol shooting in the last two years although he couldn't win a medal in the Rio Olympics.

National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) secretary Rajiv Bhatia said, “yes, we have recommended Jitu's name for Khel Ratna award”.

The 29-year-old Rai, ranked third in the world in the men's 10m air pistol, was one of two Indian shooters to make the final of their respective events in Rio.

If the recommendation is approved, the shooter would receive the award from President Pranab Mukherjee on National Sports Day falling on August 29.

Khel Ratna award is the country's highest sporting honour.