New Delhi, India, February 19, 2025: Olympic Games hero Manu Bhaker has been named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2024 after a global public vote.
The 22-year-old pistol shooter was recognised for her historic achievement in becoming the first Indian woman to win two medals at a single Olympic Games.
Bhaker became the first Indian to win an Olympic medal in shooting when she took bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol in Paris.
Two days later she won a second bronze - alongside Sarabjot Singh in the mixed 10m air pistol.
Bhaker had previously won the BBC’s Emerging Athlete of the Year award.
On accepting her latest award, Bhaker said: “I have had a journey of ups and downs. I hope I can inspire women, all athletes and people with big dreams. Your journey doesn’t end if you are struggling. You write your own story.”
Her fellow shooter Avani Lekhara was presented with the BBC Para Sportswoman of the Year award.
Lekhara, 23, is the first Indian woman to win three Paralympic medals, with gold in Paris following a gold and bronze in Tokyo 2020.
Indian President Droupadi Murmu said: “I appreciate the entire team of the BBC for the praiseworthy initiative of organising the 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.”
Archer Sheetal Devi won the Emerging Athlete Award after becoming India’s youngest Paralympic medallist.
Mithali Raj was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for her record 18-year captaincy of the Indian women’s cricket team. Raj, 42, led the team from 2004 to 2022 and is the longest-serving captain in international cricket history.
