New Delhi. Paralympic bronze medalist Sheetal Devi has been chosen as the Best Para Player of the Year at the ‘FICCI India Sports Awards 2024’, while in domestic cricket, fast-rising Ayush Mhatre and young badminton player Anmol Kharb have been chosen as the Best Male and Female Players of the Year. Excellence in Indian sports across multiple categories was celebrated at a function held at the FICCI headquarters here on Saturday.
Kho-Kho Federation of India (KKFI) was named the National Sports Federation of the Year (NFS) while Rugby India received the NSF Award for Best Developmental Work. After receiving the award, Kho Kho Federation President Sudhanshu Mittal said, “This award is a recognition of the commendable work done by the Kho Kho Federation for the development and promotion of the ancient Indian game.” Former Indian women’s basketball captain Raspreet Sidhu received the Individual Contribution Award for her long-term contribution to sports, while Athletics Federation of India (AFI) President Dr. Adil Sumariwala received the ‘Lifetime Achievement of the Year’ award.
Tamil Nadu was adjudged the Best Sports Promotion State, while Bihar won the Emerging Sports Promotion State award.
Puneri Paltan, champions of the 10th season of the Pro Kabaddi League, was named the Best Sports Franchise of the Year and ‘Inspire Institute of Sports’ won the Best ‘High Performance’ Sports Center award. In the corporate sector, Indian Oil was awarded the Best Corporate Sports Development Promotion (Public), while GMR Sports received the same honor in the private sector.