Manu Bhaker: Shooter named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year

After a global public vote, Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker has won the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award for 2024. At just 22 years old, Bhaker earned this honor for her historic achievement of winning two medals at a single Olympic Games, making her the first Indian woman to achieve this feat.

Bhaker won a bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal. Two days later, she partnered with Sarabjot Singh to add another bronze in the mixed 10m air pistol event. Previously, Bhaker had won the BBC Emerging Player of the Year award, marking a consistent rise in her athletic career.

Upon accepting the latest award, Bhaker said, "I have seen ups and downs. I hope I can inspire women, all athletes, and people who have big dreams. If you are struggling, your journey is not over, you can write your own story." Another shooter, Avani Lekhara, was awarded the BBC Para Sportswoman of the Year award, recognizing her significant contributions to para-sports.

Lekhara, 23, is the first Indian woman to win three Paralympic medals, securing a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, following a gold and a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Indian President Droupadi Murmu said, "I appreciate the BBC team for this commendable initiative of the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award. The outstanding athletes recognized through this event are not only excelling in their respective sports but also inspiring young women to bravely pursue their dreams."

BBC Director-General Tim Davie hosted the awards ceremony, stating, "Manu Bhaker's historic performance at the Olympics is a defining moment for Indian sports. Her journey from a promising young shooter to a record-breaking Olympian inspires athletes across the country and beyond. We are also honored to celebrate Avani Lekhara as Para Sportswoman of the Year. Her resilience and record-breaking success continue to pave the way for greater inclusion and excellence in para-sports." Archer Sheetal Devi, India's youngest Paralympic medalist, won the Emerging Player award, highlighting the country's growing talent pool.

Devi, 18, won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, following two golds and one silver at the 2022 Asian Para Games, and a silver at the World Para Archery Championships. Mithali Raj was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for her record-breaking 18-year tenure as captain of the Indian women's cricket team. Raj, 42, captained from 2004 to 2022, the longest tenure in international cricket history, solidifying her legacy in the sport.

Collective Newsroom produced and managed the fifth BBC ISWOTY. Rupa Jha, CEO of Collective Newsroom, said, "I am delighted to see the impact these awards have on women in Indian sports – amplifying their achievements, breaking barriers, and inspiring future generations. These awards are not just about recognition, but about making a lasting impact on the sporting landscape in India and beyond." This year's theme, "Champions of Champions," highlighted the unsung heroes who support and shape medal winners. A special documentary, telling the stories of runners who guide blind athletes, has been broadcast on BBC's six Indian language platforms, as well as its English channel.