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Here’s top 20 moments in Indian sports history : ESPN
MUMBAI: Showcasing ESPN’s expertise in all things sports, ESPN India today announced Abhinav Bindra’s Olympic gold from 2008 as the best moment in Indian sport. This moment was part of ESPN’s initiative to curate the top 20 moments as a tribute to the greatest achievements in the country’s rich and varied sporting history. The top 20 moments were announced starting 6 July with the No.1 moment being unveiled on 15 July.
“It was no easy task for the jury to rank these performances that spanned nearly a century, but it was hugely fulfilling. The best thing about the process was exploring the rich history of Indian sports and sportspersons who have defined it. This exercise is a small but valuable step towards putting the spotlight on the feats and events that have shaped Indian sports and inspired generations of athletes to strive for excellence,” said Sambit Bal, Editor-in-Chief, ESPN India, South Asia.
The top 20 moments in Indian sport was curated by a 31-member jury consisting of current and former sports personalities, journalists and influencers with the likes of Rahul Dravid, Jeev Milkha Singh, Cedric D’Souza, Michael Ferreira, Jaidip Mukerjea and Rohit Brijnath, among others.
The initial list included 75 best sports moments before the jury began the process of selecting the final 20. Once the jury rankings were in,each sporting event was given points based on where it featured on a jury member’s ranking system: 20 points for each No. 1 ranking, 19 for a No. 2, and so on.
The stars of the winning moments also shared their memories and reactions:
“Those are the highlights of my career. I made the mistake of admiring my opponents. I started appreciating their good shots, but in today’s professionalism, they would laugh at it”, said Ramanathan Krishnan on his reaching the Wimbledon Semifinals in 1960.
“The world title came to India for the first time, so I can very safely say that was the happiest moment of my life,” said Wilson Jones on winning the Billiards World Championship in 1958.
“I was playing emotional tennis. I wasn’t thinking. All I can promise is that every time I go on court I will give my best,” said Leander Paes, remembering the moment he won the Olympic Bronze for Tennis in Atlanta, 1996.
The initial list included 75 best sports moments before the jury began the process of selecting the final 20. After the jury presented their initial ranking, each sporting event were assigned points based on where it featured on a jury member’s ranking system: 20 points for each No. 1 ranking, 19 for a No. 2, and so on. The winning events were then finalized based on their cumulative scores.
Here is the complete list
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
