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MUMBAI: Ms Savitha Goud, National-level Cycling Champion has won
the "Essel Karnataka's Best Sportsperson" Award. The award
was presented to her by the Chairman of the Essel Group and Zee
Network, Mr. Subhash Chandra at a ceremony in Bangalore on February
22, 2007. The other winners are Mr. Arvind Savur (Cue Sports), Mr.
Madiah (Golf), Ms. Malathi Holla (Wheelchair Athlete) and Mr. Pankaj
Advani (Billiards and Snooker).
The process of selecting Karnataka's Best Sportsperson began in
January. Nearly 150 nominations were received from the sportspersons
and their well-wishers. A committee comprising senior journalists
short-listed 15 sportspersons from among the nominations received.
The list of the short-listed candidates was in-turn placed before
an eminent Jury headed by Justice M. Ramakrishna, which selected
five finalists.
The public was invited to choose one among the top five finalists
as the "Essel Karnataka's Best Sportsperson" through SMS
and tele-voting. Ms. Savitha Goud secured the highest number of
votes and emerged as the winner.
At the award ceremony held on February 22, 2007, sportspersons
who have rendered yeoman service were also felicitated. They included:
Ms. Ashwini Nachappa (Athletics), Mr. Ahmed Khan (Football), Mr.
T.R. Swamy (Wrestling), Mr. Brijesh Patel (Cricket) and Mr. Prakash
Padukone (Badminton).
This is the second in the series of awards instituted by the Essel
Group in Karnataka. The first award ceremony held in January was
dedicated to Karnataka's Best Legislator. "Our's is a Group
fired by the spirit of nationalism and patriotism. Through these
awards, we hope to inspire the youth and instill in them a pride
for India's rich heritage. The awards represent the group's strong
resolve to empower the people and thereby build a vibrant and resurgent
India" said Mr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman of the Group.
"Our effort is to identify unsung heroes and celebrate their
achievements. So that it serves as an inspiration to the youth,"
said Mr. M. Gautham Machaiah, Vice-President, Corporate and Public
Affairs, Essel Group.
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