NOMINATIONS FOR the Sporting Equals’ British Ethnic Diversity Awards 2020 are now officially open.

Organised by Sporting Equals, these annual Awards will be taking place on March 14, at the Hilton Hotel Park Lane, London. They are designed to not only recognise and celebrate the contribution of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities in sport and physical activity but inspire the next generation.

The Sporting Equals Awards aim to create a positive impact towards the sport sector, where more role models from diverse communities in various sports are a priority to increase participation.

The award categories include Sportsman of the Year and Sportswoman of the Year, Inspirational Performance of the Year Award and community awards such as Unsung Hero and Community Sports Project of the Year.

Sporting Equals chief executive, Arun Kang OBE said: “This year has been fantastic for sport with a world cup victory for the England cricket team, which diversity had a huge part to play in. We are thrilled to be back hosting these awards for the sixth year, to highlight role models and projects to ensure they receive the accolade they deserve.”

Sporting Equals ambassador, Christine Ohuruogu MBE said: “I’m very proud of Sporting Equals in organising the sixth annual sports awards to promote the achievements of Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities in sport.

“Events like this are vital to increasing diversity in sport and highlighting the talent out there. It is about making young people believe and push themselves to achieve.”

Previous BEDSA winners include England footballer Raheem Sterling, rugby superstar Maro Itoje, Mo Farah, former heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill, gymnast Rebecca Downie and F1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

The nominations were announced by Kang live on Sky Sports. Renown boxer, Anthony Joshua has been nominated for the sportsman of the year, while Dina Asher-Smith has been nominated for the sportswoman of the year award.

The wider nominations include a list of diverse stars from the Commonwealth.

Among the Young Sports Person of the Year nominees is jockey Khadija Mellah. Khadijah was the first hijab-wearing jockey in a competitive British horse race. Despite her being wholly new to horse-riding, incredibly she won the race on her mount Haverland.

She became an instant inspiration to British female Muslims as to what might be achievable within the parameters of her religion.