New Delhi, India, March 6, 2023: Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has won the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award for 2022 following a public vote.
The 28-year-old Commonwealth Games champion, who also won in 2021, became the first person to take the honour twice.
Joining the award ceremony in Delhi through a live link, Chanu said: “I am really excited and want to say that I will be working even harder for the forthcoming Olympic Games and win more medals for India.”
The other shortlisted contenders were wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshee Malikkh, boxer Nikhat Zareen and badminton player PV Sindhu.
Table tennis player Bhavina Patel was named Para Sportswoman of the Year – a category that has been introduced for the first time – after winning Commonwealth gold.
Patel, 36, said: “It is a gratifying feeling to win this prestigious award, which is part of a wonderful initiative empowering women and sportspersons. It is also commendable to see the BBC focusing on Para-sport and making India more inclusive.”
Former hockey player and coach Pritam Siwach was given the Lifetime Achievement award for her contribution to Indian sports and inspiring generations of players.
Boxer Nitu Ghangas was chosen as the Emerging Athlete of the Year. Ghangas, 22, is a two-time youth world champion and in 2022 won Commonwealth gold.
India’s Commonwealth gold medal-winning lawn bowls team were also honoured at the ceremony – receiving a special trophy for their historic achievement.
Source: BBC
