Nasreen Shaikh Wins BBC ‘Sportswoman of the Year – Changemaker’ Award

Nasreen Shaikh, former captain of the Indian women’s Kho Kho team and an Arjuna Awardee, has been honored with the prestigious BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year—Changemaker Award for her extraordinary contributions to the sport. The award was presented by Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the International Kho Kho Federation and Kho Kho Federation of India, at a grand ceremony in New Delhi on February 17, 2025.

Nasreen’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and transformation—not just for herself but for an entire sport. Her leadership in Kho Kho, particularly in the wake of India’s triumph at the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, has played a crucial role in elevating the sport globally. This recognition by the BBC underscores the growing momentum of indigenous sports and India’s emerging dominance in the international sporting arena.

She expressed deep gratitude for the award, saying:

 “Kho Kho is more than just a sport to me—it’s a passion that has shaped my life. This award is a recognition not just of my journey but of the hard work and dedication of every athlete striving to make a mark in Indian sports.”

With Kho Kho gaining international traction and aspirations for inclusion in future multi-sport events, Nasreen’s recognition is timely and significant. We believe her story would resonate with your readers/viewers, and we’d love to explore how we can collaborate on coverage.