Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik nominated for BBC ISWOTY Award

Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat (L) and Sakshi Malik participate in an ongoing protest in opposition to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), in New Delhi on January 19, 2023, following allegations of sexual harassment to athletes by members of the WFI.
| Photograph Credit score: AFP

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, who not too long ago staged a protest in opposition to WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and accused him of sexual exploitation and intimidation, had been amongst 5 athletes nominated on Monday for the BBC Indian Sportswoman Of The 12 months award.

Others who made the minimize had been Tokyo Olympics silver medallist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, ace shuttler PV Sindhu and boxer Nikhat Zareen.

The athletes had been short-listed after a panel of jury, consisting of sports activities journalists and writers, voted for his or her most well-liked gamers, primarily based on their achievements.

The winner might be chosen by a public vote that started on Monday and can proceed until February 20 midnight. The winner might be introduced on March 5.

Rupa Jha, the Head of India BBC Information, introduced that they’ve launched a brand new award class — BBC Indian para-sportswoman of the yr.

Ekta Bhyan, the 2018 Asian para Video games gold medallist, welcomed the transfer and emphasised on the necessity to make the stadiums extra accessible to the bodily challenged athletes.

“The stadiums and swimming pools should be accessible easily for the disabled athletes. Mental barriers need to be broken, about 60 to 70 percent of disabled population is still restricted to homes. More awareness and work is required at grassroots level,” Bhyan, flanked by London Olympics bronze-winning boxer Vijender Singh, stated.

“Sports should be a part of education. Why should disabled athletes start their careers at the age of 15 or 16, sport should be accessible to them much earlier and there should be a comprehensive and non-discriminatory policy for disabled,” she added.

Vijender stated the ladies athletes are two steps forward of their male counterparts and deserve respect greater than the awards.

He lamented that nationwide boxing federation doesn’t communicate with boxers like him.

“I know about current status of boxing as much you (media persons) know. We are not called for even Nationals or other events. I was asked about Indian boxing by Salman Khan and Rahul Gandhi and told them I don’t know because we are not involved,” he stated.

He suggested that each village in India ought to have its personal multi-sport stadium to encourage kids.