1983 World Cup win changed India’s sporting destiny: Malini Parthasarathy

dr Malini Parthasarathy, Chairwoman of The Hindu Group of Publications (Pvt. Ltd.), stated that India’s famous triumph at the 1983 Cricket World Cup boosted the nation’s collective self-esteem.

In the 40th year of the famous victory, Kapil Dev and members of his team were honored at the sports star Aces Awards 2023 here on Monday.

“India won another Cricket World Cup in 2011 but 1983 remains etched in all our minds and hearts. Why so? Because it was the first time an Indian team actually experienced the sweet taste of world No. 1. It also boosted our collective self-esteem and gave us real confidence that India could be a key player in the big game and we are on our way to becoming a great sport power,” said Dr. Parthasarathy.

“This victory changed India’s sporting destiny and our national life forever. Until then, as a country, we were defeatist, reticent about our athletic ability and coy about our approaches in the global arena. When Kapil Dev and his amazing team won, the entire cricket world was stunned and in disbelief,” said Dr. Parthasarathy.

“The enduring image of Kapil Dev holding up the World Cup on the Lords’ Balcony has been forever etched in a country’s memory as it has enabled countless great cricketers to dream and see their dreams translate into great world records manifest. A new generation of cricket greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli were inspired by this epic win,” said Dr. Parthasarathy.

The winners of the fifth edition of the Sportstar Awards

Sportsman of the Year (Cricket): Hardik Pandya

Sportswoman of the Year (Cricket): Harmanpreet Kaur

Athlete of the Year (Athletics): Avinash Sable

Female Athlete of the Year (Athletics): Annu Rani

Sportsman of the Year (Team Sport): PR Sreejesh and Sunil Chhetri

Sportswoman of the Year (Team Sport): Savita Punia

Athlete of the Year (Olympic Sports): Rudranksh Patil

Female Athlete of the Year (Olympic Sports): Nikhat Zareen

Racquet Sportsman of the Year: Lakshya Sen and Sharath Kamal

Racquet Sportswoman of the Year: Dipika Pallikal Karthik

Coach of the Year: Bhaskar Bhatt

Athlete of the Year (Parasport): Rahul Jakhar

Athlete of the Year (Parasport): Manisha Ramadass

Best Young Performer (Girls): Antim Panghal and Rhythm Sangwan

Best Young Achiever (Boy): D. Gukesh

Lifetime Achievement Award: Shyam Thapa

Best Power Supply for Sports Promotion: ONGC

Best University for Sports Promotion: Jain University

Best state for sports funding: Odisha

Best Grassroots Coach: Merzban Patel (Ice Hockey)

Comeback of the Year: Vinesh Phogat and Anwar Ali

Sports Star of the Year (Male): Neeraj Chopra

Sports Star of the Year (Women): Mirabai Chanu

National Team of the Year: India’s Thomas Cup Team

Club of the Year: Gujarat Titans

Moment of the Year: India’s triumph at the Thomas Cup

Spirit of Sport: Nihal Sarin

Inspirational icon: Sania Mirza

Lifetime Achievement Award: Shyam Thapa

Sport for society: Project Parivartan (IOC)