MUMBAI: India’s sports media brand Sports Illustrated (SI) India Magazine concluded the sixth edition of ‘Maruti Suzuki Sportsperson of the Year’ Charity Gala Awards on 6 July in Mumbai. Sportsperson of the Year is the most coveted Sports Awards franchise globally, acknowledging the performances and sporting excellence of athletes and teams for their outstanding achievements.
Sports Illustrated India has always honoured individuals and teams that have made an impact in the world of Indian sports. Keeping in mind the brand philosophy of promoting sports at grassroots level in India, this year’s gala was in association with Magic Bus—an award-winning NGO that steers children towards a better life with better awareness, better life skills, and better opportunities, in the journey from childhood to livelihood. The funds raised will be used towards the betterment of these under-privileged children.
Some of the award categories in which the athletes were felicitated were:
1. Special award for service to sports: Jayant Rastogi, CEO - Magic Bus (presented by Ms Parineeta Sethi and Simon Clays)
2. Team of the year: Jr. Hockey Team- Captain Harjeet Singh (presented by Pragyan Ojha)
3. Coach of the year: Pullela Gopichand (presented by Mr. Vinay Pant)
4. Editor’s Award for excellence: Devendra Jhajharia (presented by Jwala Gutta and Vivek Mukherjee)
5. Editor’s Award for excellence: MariyappanThangavelu (presented by Jwala Gutta and Vivek Mukherjee)
6. Editor’s Award for excellence: Varun Bhati (presented by Jwala Gutta and Vivek Mukherjee)
7. Outstanding Contribution to sports: K Arumugam (presented by Bhaichung Bhutia)
8. Athlete of the year: Gaurav Gill (presented by Amir Khan)
9. Gamechanger of the year: K.L Rahul
10. Extreme Performer of the year: ShivaKeshavan (presented by Sanjeev Mantri and Richa Chadha)
11. Lifetime Achievement Award: Abhinav Bindra (presented by Amit Khanna, Herbalife & Shayamal Vallabhjee)
12. Community Development through sports: Milind Soman (Received by Usha Soman) (presented by Angad Bedi and Parineeta Sethi)
13. Inspirational athlete of the year: Deepa Malik (presented by Taapsee Pannu)
14. Living Legend: Milkha Singh
15. Sportsperson Of The Year: PV Sindhu (presented by Parineeta Sethi & Ajay Khanna, Herbalife)
It was a star-studded evening where some of India’s sports icons such as P.V. Sindhu, Pullela Gopichand, KL Rahul, Abhinav Bindra, Deepa Mallik, Bhaichung Bhutia, Gaurav Gill and Shiva Keshavan were felicitated. Bollywood wasn’t left far behind as Richa Chaddha, Tapsee Pannu and Angad Bedi also graced the occasion.
Sports Illustrated India senior publisher Vivek Pareek said, "The Maruti Suzuki Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Charity Gala is the perfect platform to recognize and celebrate performance in sports. We have consistently supported all sports in India and the diverse attendance is proof of that. Sports is not limited in appeal or reach, and it is in this diversity that it finds its strength. We will continue to fight for sports and support sportspersons."
Sports Illustrated India editor Vivek Mukherji said, "Sports Illustrated has lived up to its commitment to sports and India's sportspersons again with this year's Awards. Our magazine's founding principles of integrity and fairness ensure that all sports find an equal voice. We're growing from strength to strength and we're very excited about the future of sports in India. We hope to continue playing a large part in it."
Magic Bus founder Matthew Spacie said, “It was a great event and I thank Sports illustrated India for giving Magic Bus this huge platform. We share the same core principles of uplifting society through sports and it is fantastic to see the complete support of the sports fraternity, I’m very grateful that our work has been recognized at this iconic forum. We look forward to many years of associations with Sports Illustrated India.”
Through this association, Sports Illustrated India aims to continue their journey and ensure sports is made accessible for all as well as for the welfare of upcoming athletes.
