Ankita Raina becomes second Indian to be honored with the BJK Cup Heart Award

The BJK Heart Award was first presented in 2009. The idea was originally conceived by the International Tennis Federation. Recently, the winners for the 12^th edition of the BJK Cup Heart Award were announced. The winners receive a Prize money of $ 9,000 that they can further Donate to a Charity of their choice.

Nominations for the 2022 BJK Cup Heart Awards were announced on 10th May. These nominations are decided by a special panel comprising members of the ITF and former BJK Cup players.

The list of nominations were:

Americas: Beatriz Haddad Maia, Solana Sierra

Asia / Oceania: Ankita Raina, Shuko Aoyama / Ena Shibahara

Europe / Africa: Kaja Juvan, Petra Marcinko

Qualifiers: Jasmine Paolini, Ukrainian Team, Each Swiatek, Marketa Vondrousova

The winners were decided based on the votes of the public through the BJK Cup’s official website. It’s 18^th May 2022, the winners were announced.

The list of winners:

Americas: Beatriz Haddad Maia

Asia / Oceania: Ankita Raina

Europe / Africa: Kaja Juvan

Qualifiers: Any Swiatek

The Bridge got in touch with the BJK Cup Heart Award recipient of the Asia / Oceania group, Ankita Raina. She became the second Indian to receive this award after Sania Mirza, who was honored with the Heart Award in 2020.

“Extremely honored and Grateful to have won the BJKC Heart Award. Thank you so much for all the love and support over all these years,” she said.

“As a little girl, I always dream of representing my country and winning for the country. Awards and recognition like these motivate you to keep going behind one’s passion. A big showout to all those who have been following me and part of my journey. .. My family, team and sponsors of the course (SAG, Yonex and employer ONGC) for their Backing, “Raina stated.

India finished third in the Asia / Oceania Group earlier this year at the BJK Cup thereby ensuring they stay in the zonal Group I.