New Delhi | December 19, 2024: CNN-News18 has unveiled the nominees for the Sports and Rising Sports Star categories of the 14th edition of its prestigious flagship awards platform Indian of the Year (IOTY), celebrating athletes whose remarkable performances in 2024 have left an indelible mark on the world of sports. Regarded as India’s biggest and most credible news television awards, IOTY celebrates exceptional achievements of Indians who are inspiring the world through their triumphs.
Among the notable nominees in the Sports category is Manu Bhaker, who created history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by winning two bronze medals. She became the first Indian athlete to achieve this feat at a single Olympics. Her triumphs in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol and Mixed Team events have made her a symbol of resilience and excellence.
Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 was a defining moment in Indian cricket. His outstanding bowling played a key role in India clinching its second T20 World Cup title and also earned him the Player of the Tournament award. Bumrah also reestablished himself as the No. 1 Test bowler globally, leading to his nomination in the Sports category.
Smriti Mandhana, a trailblazer in Indian women’s cricket, also features among the nominees in the Sports category. As captain, she led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to victory in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) and etched her name into the record books with back-to-back ODI centuries.
Shooter Swapnil Kusale’s inspiring journey also earned him a nomination in the Sports category. From working as a railways ticket collector to clinching a bronze medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the Paris Olympics, Kusale’s story is a testament to determination and grit.
Adding to the lineup is PR Sreejesh, the legendary hockey goalkeeper who ended his illustrious 18-year career by leading India to a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, cementing his place as one of the finest athletes in Indian hockey history.
Recognising emerging talents nominated for their exceptional performances in 2024, the Rising Sports Star category of IOTY features Aman Sehrawat, India’s youngest individual Olympic medallist with a bronze in wrestling at the Paris Olympics. Sarabjot Singh secures a nomination for winning a bronze in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event alongside Manu Bhaker, and multiple World Cup and Asian Games medals. Now among the world’s top five chess players with two golds at the FIDE Chess Olympiad, D Gukesh joins the list of nominees. Abhishek Sharma, nominated in the same category, dazzled with a scintillating performance in the IPL and a debut century for India against Zimbabwe. Shafali Verma, who led India to the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup title and became the youngest to surpass 1,000 runs in T20 Internationals, also earns her spot among the nominees in this category.
RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group is the Presenting Partner and Reliance Industries is the Associate Partner for this edition of CNN-News18 Indian of the Year. The awards continue to honour individuals who inspire and unite the nation with their extraordinary achievements. Public voting is now open for all categories. Cast your vote today and help decide who will take home the prestigious title. The selection process will be a mix of both jury and public voting; with 50% of the decision-making power given to the audience and the remaining 50% is entrusted to the jury, striking a balance between collective choice of the masses and the discerning eye of experts.
