Paralympics heroes Dharambir and Rakesh Kumar, table tennis star Sreeja Akula, and badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty were crowned Athletes of the Year at a glittering ceremony of the GoSports Foundation Annual Sports Awards Night 2024 in Mumbai on Monday. The Awards Night also celebrated India’s extraordinary year in sports, honouring champions who have excelled on the global stage.
The GoSports Foundation Annual Sports Awards Night witnessed the participation of 100+ athletes, along with mentors and supporters, coming together to inspire, interact and celebrate excellence across multiple sporting categories. The evening also served as a tribute to the collaborative efforts that drive Indian sports, offering corporate partners and donors a unique opportunity to connect with the athletes they are supporting.
The night celebrated the journeys of champions such as Muhammed Anas and Nikhat Zareen, who were recognised as the Most Consistent Athletes of the Year. Meanwhile, consecutive Paralympics gold medalist and javelin ace Sumit Antil–who put in a record-breaking performance in Paris–was named the Most Valuable Paralympian.
After being recognised for her efforts, Nikhat Zareen shared: “Coming from a conservative Muslim family where people often believe girls are meant to stay home and get married, my father thought differently as he was an athlete himself. He supported me from the very beginning. My mother, however, doubted that no one would marry my sisters and me, but I told her that once I succeeded, there would be a line of grooms outside our house!”
Reflecting on her journey, Sreeja Akula said, “Since childhood, I aspired to represent India at multi-sport events and win medals for my country. It has taken years of hard work, perseverance, and a strong support system to reach where I am today. I was inspired by my sister, who used to win medals and trophies but had to give up sports due to financial constraints. Seeing her journey motivated me to pursue table tennis seriously. My parents initially hesitated, as I was excelling academically, scoring 96% in my 12th grade. However, with their support and encouragement from my coach and organisations like GoSports Foundation, I could follow my passion.”
Adding his perspective, Sumit Antil reflected on his record-breaking journey: “Before the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, during a press conference, I announced my aim to hit the 70-meter mark. Many were skeptical, saying it was impossible for a Paralympian. But within 1.5 years, I achieved that milestone at the World Championships. Now, my dream is to touch 80 meters in the next few years.”
Silver medalist at the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics Suhas Yathiraj received the Outstanding Contribution to Community & Sport award, while the Spotlight of the Year award went to women’s cricketer Nandini Kashyap for her terrific domestic run. The awards also honoured young and prodigious talents, diver Palak Sharma and para-swimmer Himanshu Nandal, adjudging them to be Most Promising Athletes of the Year. Other categories celebrated both emerging talents and seasoned performers, highlighting the immense promise that Indian sport holds.
Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO of GoSports Foundation, remarked, “The GoSports Foundation Annual Sports Awards Night is more than just a celebration of achievements—it’s a tribute to the resilience and determination of our athletes. These champions have overcome challenges and refused to back down in their pursuit of excellence. This event is a reminder of the power of collective support and the endless possibilities ahead for Indian sport.”
Since its inception in 2008, GoSports Foundation has remained committed to nurturing Indian athletes through mentorship, skill development, and holistic support. The Annual Sports Awards Night stands as a testament to this mission, celebrating the champions and stakeholders who continue to elevate India’s sporting legacy.
Full List of Winners:
Spotlight of the Year: Nandini Kashyap
Most Promising Athlete (Paralympic Sport): Himanshu Nandal
Most Promising Athlete (Olympic Sport): Palak Sharma
Most Improved Performer of the Year (Olympic Sport): Hariharan Ruban
Most Improved Performer of the Year (Paralympic Sport): Yash Kumar
Most Consistent Athlete of the Year (Olympic Sport – Male): Muhammed Anas
Most Consistent Athlete of the Year (Olympic Sport – Female): Nikhat Zareen
Most Consistent Athlete of the Year (Paralympic Sport): Rakesh Kumar
Against All Odds: Raja Muthupandi
Joseph Ollapally Memorial Award: Rakshitha Sree
Athlete of the Year (Olympic Sport – Male): Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy
Athlete of the Year (Olympic Sport – Female): Sreeja Akula
Athlete of the Year (Paralympic Sport – Male): Dharambir
Athlete of the Year (Paralympic Sport – Female): Aruna Tanwar
Most Valuable Paralympian: Sumit Antil
Outstanding Contribution to Community & Sport: Suhas Yathiraj
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