Anju Bobby George wins Woman of the Year Award from World Athletics

The Indian Athlete Anju Bobby George has won the Woman of the Year Award from World Athletics. She has won the award for grooming young girls to take up sports.

What are Anju’s achievements?

• She is a gold medallist in 2005 IAAF World Athletics Finals.
• She was the first Indian athlete to win bronze medal in long jump at the World Championships in Athletics held in 2013 in Paris.
• In 2004 Olympics, she finished sixth.

Awards

• Anju was awarded the Arjuna award in 2002, Padma Shri in 2004, Khel Ratna in 2003.
• In 2021, she won the BBC lifetime achievement award in the category of Best Athlete.

Why is Anju felicitated with Woman of the Year Award?

In 2016, she formed a sports academy for young girls. Through this she has helped India advance in sports and also inspire more women to follow her footsteps. She is also presented with the award for advocating gender equality.

Who is Anju Bobby George?

Anju was born in Cheeranchira village in Kottayam, Kerala. She was born in Kochuparambil family, an orthodox family. She developed interests into athletics from her father. She started her career with Heptathlon. Later she won medals in Delhi Junior Asian Championship, South Asian Federation Games (held in Nepal), Commonwealth games held in Manchester and also won gold medal at the Asian Games held in Busan. She is married to Robert Bobby George. George is a former national champion in triple jump and Anju’s coach too. Currently, Anju is the Chairperson of TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) and also the Executive member of Khelo India project.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2021