Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna vs Padma Awards for Sportspersons

Statistics over the past 20 years show a level of inconsistency in the way awards have been conferred on athletes. The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award supposed to be the highest sports award in India has been given before a Padma Shri, many a time, after a Padma Shri and sometimes, along with a Padma Shri. What is the level of precedence of sports awards? What are the parameters to confer civilian awards on athletes? Do we have a yardstick that is the same for all? Why is there a level of ambiguity in sports awards? Are Padma Awards, political awards? Is there a conscious decision to dilute the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. Get it all on Talking Turkey with Kanthi