ASHISH KUMAR

For putting India on the Gymnastics medals list -- first in Commonwealth and then Asian Games – a sport we have never done well in.

RONJON SINGH SODHI

For an outstanding year of achievements by bagging an Asian Games Gold, setting a world record and winning virtually everything he participated in.

SOMDEV DEVVARMAN

For achieving the unparalleled feat of winning both the doubles and singles gold for India in Asian Games

SUSHIL KUMAR

For becoming the first Indian wrestler to win a world championship and following it with a gold at the Commonwealth Games

VISHWANATHAN ANAND

For being crowned as the undisputed World Chess Champion in a gruelling, unprecedented title clash.

VVS LAXMAN

For playing a series of match-saving and match-winning innings in hopeless situations for India in one of his best years ever.