New Delhi, India, December 10, 2020: Tokyo Olympics-bound athletes Bajrang Punia (wrestling) and Elavenil Valarivan (shooting) bagged the top honours at the FICCI India Sports Awards 2020 held virtually this year owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two athletes, who have had an impressive 2019-20 season, won the Sportsperson of the Year awards in their respective categories of the awards, presented by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Freestyle wrestler Bajrang, who is currently training in the USA, expressed his delight at receiving the award.
“My aim in the future will again be to give my best and win lots of medals for the country. Such recognition motivates me to keep doing well, and it gives me huge joy. I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the other winners,” Bajrang said.
Elavenil said: “I would like to thank my family first for always standing by me, my mentor Gagan Narang and my coach Neha Chauhan for always believing in me.
“I would also like to thank the National Rifle Association of India for always supporting and pushing us through all our hard times, and also the Sports Authority of India for making sure that we are equipped with everything we need.”
The sports awards are an attempt by FICCI to acknowledge and recognise the contribution of sportspersons and various stakeholders who deliver excellent results throughout the year.
Cricket legend Anil Kumble received the Best Company Promoting Sports (Private Sector) award on behalf of his enterprise, Tenvic Sports.
Source: Voice of Indian Sports