The badminton world champion and Olympics silver medalist (an Indian player) PV Sindhu has won the inaugural BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award following a public vote.
The shortlist of five contenders also consisted of sprinter Dutee Chand, boxer Mary Kom, wrestler Vinesh Phogat and para-badminton player Manasi Joshi.
“I would like to dedicate this award to my supporters and fans that have supported me all along and also voted for me,” the 24-year-old said.
“Awards like BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year give us motivation and encouragement to go much further. My message to all young sportswomen is that as women we have to believe in ourselves. Hard work is the key to success. I’m sure soon there will be more Indian sportswomen winning medals for the country”, PV concluded.
P.T. Usha was given a lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to Indian sports and for inspiring generation of players. Usha was regarded as queen of India sport after winning more that 100 medals before she retired. She has the best time of 11.39s–100m, 23.05s in 200m, 51.61s in 400m, national record 52.42s in 400hr. She finished fourth in the 400m 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
The five nominees for the BBC Indian Sportswoman award were announced in February, having been chosen by a panel from all parts of India.
