Vinesh Phogat, Sindhu and Sakshi
– Photo: Social Media
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Five women sportspersons, including wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, are in the running for the BBC’s Sportswoman of the Year award. Other nominees include Olympic silver medalist woman weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, badminton player PV Sindhu and boxer Nikhat Zareen.
A jury of journalists and writers has selected these players on the basis of achievements. From Monday, sports lovers can vote online for their favorite player. The deadline for voting will be February 20 midnight. The winner will be announced on March 5.
This time a separate award category has also been kept for Para women players of India. Welcoming the decision, 2018 Para Asian Games gold medalist Ekta Bhayan said stadiums need to be made more friendly for para-athletes. We have to remove mental blocks. Still 60 to 70 percent of the disabled are confined to homes. There is a need to work at the grassroots level.
Vijender Singh, who won the first Olympic medal in boxing in Beijing 2008, said that women sportspersons need more respect. He also said that the Boxing Federation of India is not in touch with boxers like him. Every village in India should have a stadium with facilities for multiple sports
