There is something special about the relationship between Bangalore and sports journalism. The city has been the hub of many online portals and newspapers, but most importantly, Bangalore journalists have carved a distinct niche for themselves through unbiased reporting that has been praised by many, all over the country. And keeping with the rich tradition, Sports Writers’ Association of Bangalore (SWAB) hosted the annual awards at Hotel Taj Vivanta in Bengaluru on Saturday, to celebrate the contribution of sportsmen across the discipline.

“Congratulations to all the winners. SWAB has continued to recognize and encourage talent here in Karnataka. Without their support – I was one of the award winners very early in my cricketing career, and that certainly helped me to move onwards. Also, the recognition that you receive from sports writers because they see you grow from an early age… I remember journalists who are sitting here, watching me from my school cricket right up to retirement and also the other roles I have taken up after that. It’s wonderful what SWAB has been doing and I hope you continue to do that,” Kumble said after receiving the award.

In a brilliantly-crafted elegant speech, Abhinav Bindra, India's only individual Olympic Gold medalist, said, "Bangalore holds a very special place in my heart. It is in this city that I spent many days of my youth shooting at the SAI Centre and the people of this city, not least its sports journalists, have always been wonderfully welcoming. There is something in the air of Bangalore that makes it special for sports, and I am not just saying that because I have just flown here from Delhi."

The standing ovation was, however, reserved for MP Ganesh, the former Olympian, who was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ganesh, despite being in his seventies, was eloquent while narrating the tales of his formative years as a hockey player, the lessons he implemented from his playing days to his career in sports administration, and the need for government officials, journalists, and former athletes to come together to nurture promising sporting talent.

Damini, meanwhile, won five golds in the Junior National Aquatic championships in July 2016 and backed that stellar show with two golds and three bronze medals in the Senior championship a few months later. She was a force to reckon with in the National School Games Championship too, winning two golds and a silver.

K Sriram, a member of KSCA’s media staff, was recognized as the ‘Behind the Scenes’ award winner while Karnataka Badminton Association walked away with the ‘Association of the Year’ award.

Best sportsperson of the year (Male): Sunil Chhetri

Best sportsperson of the year (female): Aditi Ashok

Coach of the year: Anil Kumble

Lifetime Achievement Award: MP Ganesh

Best junior sportsperson of the year (female): Damini Gowda

Association of the year: Karnataka Badminton Association