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By admin: Jan. 29, 2025

List of 2024 ICC Awards Winners

Tags: Sports

Why in the news?

• The 2024 ICC Awards spanned five days, from January 24 to January 28, 2025. During this period, various categories of awards were announced, culminating in the announcement of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year on the final day.

Major Award Winners

• Men's Test Cricketer of the Year: Jasprit Bumrah (India)
• Bumrah achieved a historic milestone as the first Indian pacer to win this award, taking 71 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 14.92, including five five-wicket hauls. He was the highest wicket-taker in Tests for 2024, surpassing his closest competitor by 19 wickets.
• Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year: Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
• Omarzai had a standout year with 417 runs and 17 wickets, contributing significantly to Afghanistan's performance in ODIs.
• Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year: Arshdeep Singh (India)
• Arshdeep took 36 wickets in T20Is at an impressive average of 13.50, playing a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup victory.
• Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year: Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)
• Wolvaardt excelled with both bat and ball, solidifying her place among the top performers in women's cricket.
• Women's T20I Cricketer of the Year: Amelia Kerr (New Zealand)
• Kerr not only set a record for most wickets in a single ICC Women's T20 World Cup but also scored 387 runs and took 29 wickets throughout the year, leading New Zealand to victory.
• Among the winners, 4 Indian cricketers received awards: Jasprit Bumrah (Men's Test Cricketer of the Year) & (Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year), Smriti Mandhana (Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year), and Arshdeep Singh (Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year).

Government Approves Participation of Indian Contingent at 9th Asian Winter Games 2025.

Tags: Sports

Why in the news?

• In a landmark move to foster winter sports in India, the Government of India has approved the participation of the Indian contingent at the 9th Asian Winter Games (AWG) 2025, scheduled to be held from 7th to 14th February in Harbin, China. 

Important points:

• The Government has given clearance forparticipation of the 88-member Indian contingent which includes 59 athletes and 29 team officials.
• For the first time, full financial support is being extended under the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) Scheme to athletes competing in Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Short Track Speed Skating, and Speed Skating (Long Track).
• This is the first occasion where the Government of India has formally extended financial support for the country’s participation at the Asian Winter Games. 

About Asian Winter Games :

• The Asian Winter Games provide a crucial platform for Indian athletes to showcase their talent and compete with some of the best in the world, setting the stage for future global competitions. 
• The Government's structured approach not only promotes transparency in team selection but also strengthens India’s resolve to become a formidable contender in winter sports.