BHAICHUNG BHUTIA

For being the only world class player in the Indian football team and captaining a successful defence of the Nehru Cup.

GAUTAM GAMBHIR

For being the year's most consistent Indian batsmen in all three forms of the game and winning the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award.

LEANDER PAES

For reaching four Grand Slam finals in 2009 and winning 2 of them -- the French Open and the US Open -- at age 37.

PANKAJ ADVANI

For winning the World Professional Billiards title and becoming the only man to hold both the world amateur and professional titles at the same time.

SAINA NEHWAL (Winner)

For taking Indian badminton to unprecedented heights by becoming the first Indian woman to win a Super Series title.

VIJENDER SINGH

For achieving two firsts for an Indian boxer -- winning a World Championship medal and becoming the world number 01 in his category.