New Delhi: Pro Sportify founder Kartikeya Sharma was Sunday conferred the “Indian Sports Fan Award 2022” for his immense contribution to sports and for exemplary devotion in promoting Olympic sports through the medium of leagues in a glittering ceremony here.

“This award is a reflection of the love and appreciation of sports fans from across the world. On this occasion, I respectfully share my joy and love with all the sports fans across the world,” Kartikeya Sharma said.

Sharma has been supporting Indian sports and is the brain behind the Pro Wrestling League, Big Bout Indian Boxing League, The Indian Arena Polo League and two other upcoming leagues.

He was handed over the glittering trophy by Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh, Indian superfans Sudhir Kumar Gautam, Sugumar Kumar, India’s first female Olympian Karnam Malleshwari and London Olympics bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt in the presence of a bevy of Indian sporting luminaries including Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardees, Arjuna awardees and Dronacharya awardees.

Kartikeya Sharma was chosen for this award by Indian Sports Fans, a non-commercial venture and one of the largest sports fan communities in India with over a million fans and followers on social media from across the globe. 

“It is a truly unique concept for nominating Kartikeya Sharma who brought smiles and gave joy to sporting fans. This will set a new precedent for sports in India and I wish them all the best for their future endeavours,” said Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh.

“Kartikeya, the founder and promoter of Pro Wrestling and Big Bout Indian Boxing League has enabled us to create world beaters and this award is an apt recognition to the sports visionary and promoter in the country. The experience of playing in the Pro Wrestling League has been etched in my memory and I thank him for creating the biggest wrestling spectacle in the world which has allowed the country to witness the biggest stars from wrestling,” said CWG Gold Medalist Babita Phogat.

Famous Indian superfans Sugumar and Sudhir were the first recipients of the Indian Sports Awards which was conceptualised in 2019 as the Global Sports Fan Awards in Manchester.