Athlete Lalita Babar, chessplayer Gagare to get SJAM awards

Mumbai, Aug 27 (PTI) Maharashtra’s sixth Chess GM ShardulGagare, and steeplechase specialist Lalita Babar, who finisheda creditable 10th in the Rio Olympics, have been chosen forthe Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai’s (SJAM) GoldenJubilee Annual Awards 2016. Ahmedanagar-based Gagare will receive the Sportsman ofthe year award and the Satara-based Lalita, the Sportswoman ofthe year award, said a media release from SJAM. The awards presentation is to be held here on September 3in which former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan would be chiefguest and present the trophies and certificates. Mumbai and India middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane hasbeen chosen for the International Cricketer of the Year award,Rohit Sharma for a special award for making the highest ODIscore at Kolkata in 2014 while Shardul Thakur and Shreyas Iyerwould share the Ranji Trophy Cricketer of the year award. Mumbai Cricket Association has been chosen for the teamof the year award. Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy for the 41sttime, defeating Saurashtra in the final. Star Sports, IDBI Federal Life Insurance, Indian Oil andPayyade Sports Club are supporting the awards programme. Other award winners: Abhilasha Mahtre (Sportsperson ofthe year Indian Games, Kabaddi), Siddhant Bhantia (Juniorsportsman of the year, Tennis), Akanksha Hagawane (Juniorsportswoman of the year, Chess), Devika Vaidya (Womancricketer of the year), Arrmaan Jaffer (Junior cricketer ofthe year), Kabaddi team U Mumba (Excellence award), RizviCollege of Arts, Science and Commerce (Best college of theyear), Bombay Scottish School, Mahim (Best school of theyear), Billiards and Snooker Association of Maharashtra(Innovative tournament award) and Otters Club (Club of theyear). PTI SSR DK KHS KHSSNK