Friday 18 April 2025
Manu Bhaker becomes BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2024
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The BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award is an initiative to celebrate and honor sportswomen from India who have excelled in their chosen field of competition. This was first announced in 2019.
Shooter Manu Bhakerhas been named the BBC Indian sportswoman of the year 2024 after a global public vote, securing her position as a remarkable athlete in India. The 22-year-old shooter made history at Paris Olympics, becoming first Indian woman to win two medals in a single edition of games.
Bhaker won 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.
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.” Manu has also previously won the BBC’s ISWOTY Emerging Athlete of the Year award.
Golfer Aditi Ashok, para-shooter Avani Lekhara, cricketer Smriti Mandhana and wrestler Vinesh Phogat were the other nominees for this year’s award.
Other than Bhaker’s victory, three other additional awards were presented to recognize outstanding performance in different sports category. Those Awards are BBC Para Sportswomen of the year, BBC Emerging player of the year, and BBC lifetime achievement award.
Avani Lekhara was presented with the BBC ISWOTY Para-sportswoman of the Year award. This 23-year-old is the first Indian woman to win three Paralympic medals, with gold in Paris following a gold and bronze at Tokyo 2020.
BBC director general Tim Davie, who hosted the awards ceremony, said: “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 honored 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.”
Avani Lekhara, born on November 8, 2001, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, has emerged as one of India’s most inspiring athletes. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, began after a life-altering road accident in 2012,
Despite the significant physical and emotional challenges, Avani’s father played a crucial role in her recovery, encouraging her to explore sports as a means of physical and mental rehabilitation. AtParalympics 2024, Avani creates history as the 1st Indian woman athlete to win 3 Paralympic medals!
Archer Sheetal Devi won the Emerging Athlete Award after becoming India’s youngest Paralympic medallist. The 18-year-old added a bronze medal at the Paris Games to two golds and one silver at the 2022 Asian Para Games, and a silver at the World Para Archery Championships.
Sheetal Devi was born in 2007 with phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder leading to underdeveloped limbs. The condition resulted in her arms not fully forming. Fast forward to 2024 and Sheetal Devis achievements in archery are already in the headlines after just two seasons.
Sheetal Devi made history at the Paris 2024 Para Olympics clinching the bronze medal in the mixed compound archery.
Mithali Raj was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for her record 18-year captaincy of the Indian women’s cricket team. Mitali was the longest serving Indian women’s team captain since 2004 to 2022.
Rupa Jha, CEO of Collective Newsroom, said: “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 – highlighted the unsung heroes who have supported and shaped medal-winning athletes.
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