The list will be sent to the Prime Minister's office for final approval and the official announcement is likely to be made on December 15.

The ministry in its fourth meeting on October 15 completed the list but there were objections against the inclusion of former national footballers Enayetur Rahman and Shahidur Rahman Shantoo, who have become US citizens.

But after the meeting on Sunday the selection committee for the awards decided on conferring the honour on both booters considering their contribution to the country's football. The recipients will receive cash award of Tk 20,000, a gold medal and a certificate.

THE AWARDEES: Shahidur Rahman Shantoo, Enayetur Rahman, Imtiaz Sultan Johny (football), ASM Faruque (cricket), Shamsul Bari, Malek Chunnu (hockey), Mahbubur Rahman, Laila Noor (swimming), Miljar Hossain, Golam Ambia (athletics), Mosaddekul Haque Rochi, Nasimul Hassan Kachi (table tennis), Khurshida Akhter Khushi (gymnastics), Sadeque Hossain Khoka and SA Sultan (organiser).