CNN-News18 has announced the much-anticipated nominees for the 14th edition of the Indian of the Year (IOTY) awards, shining a spotlight on the athletes who have delivered stellar performances in 2024. The flagship awards, known for their credibility and grandeur, celebrate Indians who inspire through their extraordinary achievements, uniting the nation with their stories of triumph.

The Sports and Rising Sports Star categories feature an impressive lineup of individuals who have left an indelible mark in their respective domains this year. Public voting is now open at www.indianoftheyear.com, with the winners set to be revealed during a grand finale event.

1. Manu Bhaker: Making history at the Paris Olympics 2024, Bhaker clinched two bronze medals in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol and Mixed Team events, becoming the first Indian athlete to achieve this feat at a single Olympics.
2. Jasprit Bumrah: The ace bowler led India to its second T20 World Cup title with his exceptional performance, earning the Player of the Tournament award and reclaiming his position as the No. 1 Test bowler globally.
3. Smriti Mandhana: The trailblazing cricketer captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to victory in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) and achieved consecutive ODI centuries.
4. Swapnil Kusale: From working as a railways ticket collector to winning bronze in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the Paris Olympics, Kusale’s journey epitomizes grit and determination.
5. PR Sreejesh: The legendary hockey goalkeeper concluded his illustrious 18-year career by leading India to a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, cementing his legacy in Indian sports.

Rising Sports Star Category Nominees

1. D Gukesh: Now among the world’s top five chess players, Gukesh achieved two golds at the FIDE Chess Olympiad, making him a strong contender in this category.
2. Aman Sehrawat: India’s youngest individual Olympic medallist with a bronze in wrestling at the Paris Olympics.
3. Sarabjot Singh: A bronze medalist in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event alongside Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot also shone with multiple World Cup and Asian Games medals.
4. Abhishek Sharma: The cricketer stunned audiences with his IPL heroics and a debut century for India against Zimbabwe.
5. Shafali Verma: Leading India to the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup title, Verma also became the youngest cricketer to surpass 1,000 T20 International runs.

The winners will be determined through a balanced approach, with 50 percent weightage given to public voting and the remaining 50 percent decided by a jury of experts. Public voting is open across all categories at www.indianoftheyear.com.

Presented by RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group and Reliance Industries as the associate partner, this year’s awards continue the tradition of recognizing individuals who inspire and unite the nation. The grand finale promises to celebrate the incredible achievements of 2024, embodying the indomitable spirit of India.

Cast your vote now to decide who will take home the coveted title of Indian of the Year 2024!