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The fifth edition of the Indian Sports Honours (ISH) took place on Saturday (November 9), spotlighting India’s top athletes for their phenomenal performances over the past year, from October 2023 to September 2024. Conceptualized by Cornerstone Sport, the event celebrated achievements across a diverse array of sports, from Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth disciplines to popular sports like Cricket, Squash, and Chess. This year’s ceremony, hosted at the JW Marriott Hotel in Mumbai, was a grand spectacle where winners were unveiled live, showcasing India’s best sporting talent.
A prestigious jury panel: Indian Sports Honours (ISH) 2024
A distinguished jury was assembled to oversee the selection process, chaired by Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist and a member of the International Olympic Committee. Alongside him was a lineup of celebrated Indian sports icons, including the President of the Indian Olympic Association, P.T. Usha, former World No.1 shooter Anjali Bhagwat and Sanjog Gupta, Head of Sports at Disney+ Star. Also on the jury were Olympic bronze medalists Vijender Singh in Boxing and Yogeshwar Dutt in Wrestling, and former Indian hockey captain Sardar Singh. With their wealth of expertise and diverse backgrounds, the panel brought deep insight and credibility to the selection process, honoring India’s finest talents.
Breakthrough Athlete of the Year (Male): No Rinku Singh
Emerging as one of India’s most promising cricket talents, Yashasvi Jaiswal clinched the “Breakthrough Athlete of the Year Male” award. The young cricketer’s consistent performances across all formats have captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts and experts alike. In the Test arena alone, Jaiswal has amassed 1,407 runs across 14 matches, boasting a remarkable average of 56.28.
His highest score, an unbeaten 214, highlights his ability to play long, impactful innings, and his 70.13 strike rate showcases his efficiency at the crease. With three centuries, eight half-centuries, and 163 fours and 35 sixes to his name, Jaiswal has solidified his status as a key player for India, excelling in different conditions and against challenging opponents. He outshone notable contenders like Rinku Singh, hockey star Abhishek Nain and sports shooter Sarabjot Singh to claim this prestigious honor.
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Indian all rounder shines: Breakthrough Athlete Performance of the Year (Female)
In the women’s category, Indian all-rounder Shreyanka Patil stole the spotlight, winning the “Breakthrough Athlete of the Year Female” award. The 22-year-old, known for her fierce determination and impressive skillset, made an indelible mark on the international scene after debuting in December 2023.
In 2024, Patil showcased her prowess with the ball, taking 15 wickets across 13 T20I matches and adding four more wickets from her two ODI appearances. Her consistent wicket-taking ability and her sharp cricketing acumen earned her this prestigious honor over strong contenders such as shooter Esha Singh, swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu and women’s hockey captain Salima Tete.
Beyond the numbers, Shreyanka’s performances this year have proven pivotal for the Indian team, with her skill and adaptability making her a rising star in women’s cricket. Her accomplishments underscore the remarkable progress of women’s cricket in India, and she stands as a role model for aspiring female athletes across the nation.
