Full list of Indian athletes nominated for Laureus World Sports Awards

The Laureus World Sports Awards have honoured several Indian stars for their excellence.

The Laureus World Sports Awards celebrate global athletic excellence, and Indian athletes have made a significant impact. Sachin Tendulkar became the first Indian to win the award, while Rishabh Pant‘s recent nomination places him among elite athletes.

Neeraj Chopra was recognized for his breakthrough in track and field, and Vinesh Phogat earned a nomination for her inspiring comeback. Their achievements highlight India’s growing influence in international sports.

Also Read: Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award: List of all winners

Rishabh Pant (2025)

Emerging from the dynamic landscape of Indian cricket, Rishabh Pant has carved a distinctive path that transcends traditional batting paradigms. Born on 4 October 1997, this exceptional wicket-keeper batsman has become an important figure in the Indian Cricket team.

The sports world has witnessed Pant’s extraordinary talent many times. His recent nomination for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards places him alongside global athletic icons like gymnast Rebeca Andrade, swimmer Ariarne Titmus, and MotoGP star Marc Márquez. This recognition underscores his significant impact beyond traditional cricket boundaries.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant captaincy record in IPL

While Pant excels across formats, he has particularly distinguished himself in Test cricket. His ability to consistently score runs and provide strategic depth has made him an indispensable asset to the Indian national team, redefining expectations for wicket-keeper batters.

Neeraj Chopra (2022)

In the realm of track and field, few athletes have captured the imagination of a nation quite like Neeraj Chopra. Born in the vibrant state of Haryana, this extraordinary javelin thrower has redefined athletic excellence, becoming a beacon of inspiration for aspiring Indian athletes.

Chopra’s journey is marked by unprecedented achievements that have etched his name in international sporting history. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he created history by securing India’s first track and field gold medal, a significant achievement that transcended sporting boundaries.

Also Read: Who is Neeraj Chopra’s wife Himani Mor? Everything you need to know

The international stage has been Chopra’s playground. His gold medal at the World Championships in 2023 marked another significant milestone, becoming the first Asian athlete to claim the top spot in javelin throwing. The Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year nomination in 2022 further underscored his global impact.

Vinesh Phogat (2019)

In the dynamic world of sports and politics, few individuals embody resilience and transformation as powerfully as Vinesh Phogat. Her journey from wrestling arenas to the legislative halls of Haryana represents a narrative of extraordinary personal reinvention and triumph.

Born in 1994, Phogat’s wrestling career is distinguished by remarkable achievements across international platforms. Her Commonwealth Games performances are particularly noteworthy, as she secured gold medals in 2014, 2018, and 2022 – a testament to her consistent excellence and competitive spirit.

The Rio Olympic Games marked a critical turning point in Phogat’s career. What could have been a career-ending moment instead became a catalyst for an incredible comeback. Her resilience caught global attention, leading to her unprecedented nomination in the ‘Comeback of the Year’ category – sharing space with sporting legends like Tiger Woods and Lindsey Vonn.

Sachin Tendulkar (Honorary mention)

Sachin Tendulkar stands as a towering figure in the world of cricket, transcending the boundaries of the sport to become a national icon in India. His extraordinary career is marked by unprecedented achievements that have etched his name in the annals of sporting history.

The legendary Indian cricketer achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian individual to win a Laureus World Sports Award in 2020. He was honored with the Laureus Sporting Moment Award (2000-2020) for the iconic moment titled “Carried on the Shoulders of a Nation.” This celebrated the emotional scene after India’s 2011 Cricket World Cup victory, where Tendulkar, in his sixth and final World Cup attempt, was carried by his teammates on a lap of honour at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

In a momentous achievement, Tendulkar became the first Indian sportsperson to win the prestigious Laureus World Sports Award. The 20th-anniversary edition of the event, often referred to as the ‘Oscars of Sport,’ honoured his remarkable sporting moment from 2000 to 2020.

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