Uttar Pradesh, which has undergone a major transformation in the field of sports field in the last 10 years, was conferred with Times of India Sports Award (TOISA) 2023 ‘Change Maker of the Year’ award.
The award was received by former Olympian and UP sports director RP Singh on behalf of the state minister for sports Girish Chandra Yadav from CM Yogi Adityanath. The award was conferred on UP for its outstanding efforts in not only enhancing sports infrastructure but also for creating a conducive environment for athletes. Olympics gold winner Neeraj Chopra was declared the sportsperson of the year. In the javelin champion’s absence, the award was received by his uncle Bhim Chopra.
Neeraj is away, training for the Apsris Games in South Africa. India’s top sportspersons were present at the ceremony. In what brought more glory to UP, TOISA award for ‘Breakthrough Performer of the Year’ was won by cricketer Mohammed Shami for his incredible performance in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Shami, who hails from Sahaspur Alinagar in Amroha district, was given the award by CM Yogi Adityanath.
In a special award, the men’s hockey team which defeated Pakisrtan in the final to win the 1975 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur was felicitated at the function. The team of the year was given to the men’s 4X400 metre relay team comprising athletes Muhammad Anas, Rajesh Ramesh, Muhammed Yahiya and Amoj Jacob. The coach of the year award was conferred on shooting coach Deepali Deshpande.
