It''s a pleasant surprise to receive this honour: Poonia

New Delhi, Jan 25 (PTI) Ace discus thrower Krishna Pooniadid not even know her name had been recommended by the AFI forPadma Shri award and the honour has come as "pleasantsurprise."

"I did not know my name was recommended by the AthelticsFederation of India (AFI) for the award. I was pleasantlysurprised because I came to know about it only from themedia," was Poonia''s first reactions.

"I am happy that I have got the award after my historicperformance in CWG. I became the first Indian woman to win anindividual athletics gold in CWG and I think that was the mainreason for me getting this award."

Poonia feels that this award will be a motivation dostrive hard and earn more laurels for the country.

"It will give motivation to do better in the comingevents, including the London Olympics in 2012. This is also anhonour for the athletics fraternity of our country."

"I dedicate the award to my family, colleagues and thepeople of India," she concluded.