Indian athlete Anju Bobby George on Thursday said that she was ‘humbled’ and ‘honoured’ to win the Woman of the Year Award by World Athletics for grooming talent and encouraging young girls in India to take up sports and fight for gender equality.
The 2003 World Championships bronze medalist in long jump was awarded ‘Woman of the Year’ for constantly being the voice of change in the country and guiding young girls to follow her footsteps.
“Congratulations to Anju Bobby George on being crowned this year’s Woman of the Year at the World Athletics Awards,” World Athletics wrote on Twitter. “Her efforts in advancing the sport in India as well as inspiring more women to follow in her footsteps make her more than a worthy recipient of this year’s award.
“The former international long jump star from India is still actively involved in the sport. In 2016, Anju opened a training academy for young girls, which has already helped to produce a world U20 medallist. A constant voice for gender equality, she also mentors schoolgirls for future leadership positions within the sport.”
Anju on Thursday tweeted saying she was ‘truly humbled and honoured to be awarded Woman of the Year by World Athletics.’
“There is no better feeling than to wake up everyday and give back to the sport, allowing it to enable and empower young girls! Thank you for recognising my efforts,” Anju tweeted.
Anju Bobby George, 44, was born on 19 April 1977 in Cheeranchira village of Kottayam in Kerala, joined athletics on the advice of her father, and got trained in Koruthode School. George completed her schooling at CKM Koruthode School and did graduation from Vimala College.
In 1991–92, George first recognized her talent when she won the 100 m hurdles and relay with 2nd position in the long jump and high jump, and then in the national schools’ games, she won third place in 100 m hurdles and 4 × 100 m relay.
Though George is a retired athlete her involvement in the sports is still active. In the year 2016, she opened a training academy to train young girls of the country and her academy has already been successful in producing a world U20 medalist. For her huge contribution in sports being an athlete, George was honored with various reputed awards such as the Padma Shri in 2004, Arjuna Award in the year 2002 and Khel Ratna in 2003.
