Our judges
Aloke Malik, MD, South Asia, ESPN
Saina Nehwal (badminton)
She could become the first Indian woman to reach the top rankings
R Ashwin (cricket)
This off-spinner from Tamil Nadu will be the one to look out for in 2011
Somdev Devvarman (tennis)
After the Commonwealth and Asian games, he is our best hope in tennis
Leander Paes, Tennis champion
Somdev Devvarman (tennis)
Extremely fit and in a position to be on top next year
Sanam Singh (tennis)
His recent performance and gold medal have strengthened his position
Vikas Krishan Yadav (boxing)
This boxer from Bhiwani has just won a gold, can perform well under pressure
Nikhil Chopra, Cricketer and Commentator
Somdev Devvarman (tennis)
He has come into his own now and is sure to excel in 2011 too
Virat Kohli (cricket)
Has tremendous potential. Is a good person for the World Cup next year
Gaganjeet Bhullar (golf)
This golfer shows a lot of promise and can make it to the US PGA tour
And the sportsperson who gets the maximum votes from our judges is...
Somdev Devvarman
The rise of a star
Today’s hottest Indian tennis star, Somdev was born and brought up in India though he attended the University of Virginia in the US from where he earned a sociology degree in May 2008. In that same year, Somdev, now 25 years old, took to playing professional tennis.
A member of India’s Davis Cup team, he won the singles gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October this year, and then in November 2010, he became the first player since Japan’s Toshiro Sakai to win both singles and doubles gold medals at the Asian Games. This makes him our best bet for the London Olympics in 2012. Besides tennis, Somdev enjoys listening to music by the Dave Matthews band and is fond of playing music himself. How do you tempt the tennis star? Offer him chaat!
Claim to fame
Won the men’s singles at the Commonwealth Games in 2010
In November 2010, he not only won the men’s singles at the Asian Games but also lifted the along with Sanam Singh.
Claim to fame
Won the men’s singles at the Commonwealth Games in 2010
In November 2010, he not only won the men’s singles at the Asian Games but also lifted the along with Sanam Singh.
- From HT Brunch, December 26
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