Cricketers, representing the most favoured sport in the
country, did not make it to the final nomination of the BBC Indian Sportswoman
of the Year award, which was announced in New Delhi on Monday. The final list,
however, includes para-badminton star Manasi Joshi, which makes a positive
impact on the discriminating society and sets the spirit right.
Moreover, Joshi became the para-badminton World Champion in
the same year, when PV Sindhu became the first Indian to win a World
Championship gold.
“I am very pleased to know that I am nominated not in
para-athlete category but in the able bodied, normal category of sportswomen,’’
Manasi Joshi said on being nominated for the award.
Dutee Chand, who sprinted her way to glory at the 30th Summer Universiade 2019, was also nominated in the final list, selected by a jury of 40 panellist.
“Many more people will recognise me and my sport through the documentary produced by BBC on me. I am truly happy being nominated for the first ever award BBC Sports award in India,’’ the sprinter said.
Six-time world champion and one of the biggest contender for the award Mary Kom made it to the list as well.
But the recent Padma Vibhushan awardee said, "it doesn’t matter whether I win this award or not, I won’t get hurt. But I can say this award will go to a deserving player".
World Champion PV Sindhu also made it to the list banking on
her brilliant performances in the previous year. She would also be one of the
top contenders to bag the award.
“It means a lot, if we are in nomination, it is an encouragement for every athlete and others also. Because you know it is not easy to be in the nominations,'’ the Hyderabad shuttler said.
Vinesh Phogat, who has improved her technique, and clinched
a World Championships bronze in the process, was the final nomination to make
it to the list.
‘’In recent years, Indian sportswomen have done really
well and if my name is also being talked about, it’s a moment of great
satisfaction for me, it means I’m doing something good," she said.
The nominations were made on a few basic criteria, which
includes -- performances of the athletes in 2019 and their influence on the
society.
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