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It has been an incredible year in the history of Indian sports where the athletes produced some remarkable performances in Tokyo during the Olympics and Paralympics. India won 7 medals in the Olympics and 19 medals in Paralympics, marking one of the country's best-ever show in the mega event in recent times.
On Friday, it was time for the athletes to get rewarded for what they did a few months back in Tokyo. The much-awaited awards night of GoSports Foundation Annual Sports 2021 took place where many sportspeople who brought glory to the country were felicitated for their contribution.
Here is a list of the winners from the ceremony which took place on December 17:
Most promising athlete of the year
Jeremy Lalrinnunga (Weightlifter)
Most improved performer of the year
Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (Table Tennis)
Malvika Bansod (Badminton)
Muskan Kirar (Compound Archery)
Olympic athlete of the year
Bhavani Devi (Fencing)
Kamalpreet Kaur (Discus Throw)
Paralympic athlete of the year
Manish Narwal (Para-Shooting)
Avani Lekhara (Para-Shooting)
Sumit Antil (Para-Athletics)
Avani Lekhara also felicitated in Paralympics Awards 2021
Avani Lekhara, who was recognized as one of India's Paralympic athletes of the year in the GoSports Foundation Annual Sports Awards, also won another prestigious award earlier in the day. The 20-year-old was given the 'Best Female Debut' during a virtual ceremony in Paralympics Awards 2021 for her exceptional performances in Tokyo.
Notably, the Para-shooter became the first-ever female Paralympic gold medallist from India when she equalled the world record in women’s 10m SH1 air rifle standing final. In addition, Avani also clinched the bronze medal in the women’s 50m SH1 air rifle standing event to become the first-ever Indian female athlete to secure two medals in the Paralympics.
“It’s an honour for me to win this award. The focus was always on giving my best shot, bringing home medals for my country, and showing that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and passion," said Avani after receiving the award.
