Olympic medallist PR Sreejesh was announced the Manorama Sports Star 2020-21 in Kochi on Tuesday.
The prestigious annual award is instituted by Malayala Manorama in association with Santa Monica Study Abroad.
The Indian hockey goalkeeper, who is away on national duty, was represented by his family members. Sreejesh's wife Aneeshya and their children collected the award from former chess world champion Viswanathan Anand.
"It is an honour to receive this award on behalf of my husband. He worked really hard to achieve success. It would have been great had he been here to receive the award in person," said Dr Aneeshya.
"To receive the award from sporting legend Anand sir is a special feeling. Thank you, Malayala Manorama, which has always promoted sportspersons," she added.
Footballer KV Athulya was declared the first runner-up while ace volleyball blocker S Soorya was announced as the second runner-up.
"To enter the final race was in itself a great honour," said Athulya, who won the Indian Women's League with Gokulam Kerala Women's FC in 2020.
"This honour is for all women volleyball players," said Soorya, who has won multiple national titles with the Kerala team.
Young Men's Association best club
Thiruvallam Young Men's Association, Thiruvananthapuram bagged the Best Sports Club award (Rs 3 lakh, trophy). Parappur Football Club, Thrissur secured the second place (Rs 2 lakh, trophy) while Edathanattukara Challengers Sports Cub, Palakkad took the third place (Rs 1 lakh, trophy).
The ceremony of the fourth edition of the Manorama sports awards was also attended by Malayalam Manorama Editor Philip Mathew, Editorial Director Mathews Varghese and Santa Monica Study Abroad Private Limited Managing Director Denny Thomas Vattakkunnel.
