Press Release

Bangalore, Feb 5: Cricketing legend Anil Kumble is among the winners of the Essel Karnataka's Best Sportsperson Award – 2008. K V Varadharaj, former captain, Indian football team has been chosen for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

In addition to Kumble and Varadharaj, the jury has selected five winners for their exemplary contribution to sports. One among the five winners will be selected by the people of the state as their choice.

Anup Shridhar, national badminton champion (SMS ANUP to 57575 or dial 186-2424-7575-40 from your BSNL landline).

Chitra Magimairaj, World Embassy ladies billiards champion (SMS CHITRA to 57575 or dial 186-2424-7575-41 from your BSNL landline).

Girish A Koushik, world youth chess champion (SMS GIRISH to 57575 or dial 186-2424-7575-42 from your BSNL landline).

Helen Mary Innocent, former captain, Indian women's hockey team (SMS HELEN to 57575 or dial 186-2424-7575-43 from your BSNL landline).

Shikha Tandon, Olympic swimmer (SMS SHIKHA to 57575 or dial 186-2424-7575-44 from your BSNL landline).

'The award winners have brought glory to the state with their achievements at the local, national and international levels. They have emerged as the brand ambassadors of the state,' said Dr M Gautham Machaiah, vice-president, corporate and public affairs, Essel Group and Zee Network.

The jury headed by Justice B S Sreenivasa Rao, retired high court judge, comprises Amar Kumar Pandey, commissioner, department of youth and sports, Ashish Ballal, renowned hockey player, Malathi Holla, renowned wheelchair athlete, Nisha Millet, Olympic swimmer, Pankaj Advani, world billiards champion, M A Ponnappa, assistant sports editor, Prajavani, Reeth Abraham, former athlete and Arjuna Awardee, S S Shreekumar, sports editor, The New Indian Express and Vedam Jaishankar, author and senior journalist.

The awards will be presented on February 16 at Bangalore.