Manu Bhaker is BBC's Indian Sportswoman of the Year and Avani Lekhara is BBC's Para-Sportswoman of the Year
Olympian Manu Bhaker has been announced as the winner of the BBC Indian Sportswoman Of The Year (ISWOTY) Award, following a global public vote. She is recognised for her historic achievements as the first Indian woman to win two medals at the Olympic Games, accomplishing this feat at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Notably, Bhaker was previously named the BBC's Emerging Player of the Year in 2021.
Avani Lekhara has been presented the BBC Para-Sportswoman of the Year for her historic achievements in para-shooting. She is the first Indian woman to win three Paralympic medals, with gold and bronze at Tokyo 2020 and gold at Paris 2024.
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, congratulated the winners, stating: 'I appreciate the entire team of BBC for the praiseworthy initiative of organising the event 'BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year'. The extraordinary athletes who have been recognised through this initiative have not only excelled in their sports but have also inspired young women to pursue their dreams fearlessly.'
Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, who hosted the awards ceremony in Delhi, says: 'Manu Bhaker's historic Olympic performance is a defining moment for Indian sports. Her journey from a promising young shooter to a record-breaking Olympian inspires athletes across the country and beyond. We are also honoured to celebrate Avani Lekhara as the Para-Sportswoman of the Year. Her resilience and record-breaking success continue to pave the way for greater inclusion and excellence in para-sports.
'The BBC's commitment to audiences in India makes our relationship here a special one, and we are proud to celebrate the achievements of India's incredible sportswomen.'
The BBC Emerging Player Award is presented to archer Sheetal Devi, 18, for achieving a groundbreaking milestone as India's youngest Paralympic medallist. In just three years, she has won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, two golds and one silver at the 2022 Asian Para Games and a silver at the World Para Archery Championship.
Mithali Raj has been honoured with the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award for her record 18-year captaincy of the Indian women's cricket team, from 2004 to 2022, the longest in international cricket history.
The Collective Newsroom produced and managed the fifth edition of BBC ISWOTY.
Rupa Jha, CEO, Collective Newsroom, says: 'I am delighted to see the impact these awards have been bringing to Indian women in sports – amplifying their achievements, breaking barriers, and inspiring future generations. These awards are not just about recognition but about creating a lasting impact on the sporting landscape of India and beyond.'
This year's theme, Champions' Champions, highlights the unsung heroes who have supported and shaped medal-winning athletes. A special documentary featuring the guide runners of blind athletes is available on the BBC's six Indian language platforms as well on its English outlets.
jyoti.priyadarshi@collectivenewsroom.com
About Collective Newsroom
Collective Newsroom is the producer and manager of the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year event. It was launched in April 2024 as an independent Indian-owned media company with a vision to be the home to India's most credible, creative, and courageous journalism. Publishing from India, Collective Newsroom creates programmes and content for the BBC's six Indian Languages and BBC News India's YouTube channel in English.
About BBC World Service
The BBC is the world's most trusted international news broadcaster – committed to providing accurate, impartial, and independent news to audiences around the world. The BBC World Service is the BBC's international broadcaster, delivering a wide range of programmes and services on radio, TV, and digitally. It reaches a weekly audience of around 320 million people each week (BBC Global Audience Measure 2024) and operates in 42 languages, including English.
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