Abdullah Abubakar honoured with 36th Jimmy George Foundation Award for Best Sportsperson

KANNUR: Triple jump Olympian Abdullah Abubakar has been awarded the prestigious 36th Jimmy George Foundation Award for the best sportsperson of the year. The award, established in 1989 in memory of Indian volleyball legend Jimmy George, includes a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a plaque.

The selection committee, led by chairman Jose George, included prominent figures such as Anju Bobby George, Robert Bobby George, Sebastian George and Stanley George. Abdullah, a native of Puliyav near Vadakara and an officer in the Indian Air Force, has made significant strides on the international athletics stage.

Abdullah's recent accomplishments include a remarkable performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, building on his international reputation established with a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. He clinched a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championship and participated in both the 2022 and 2023 World Athletics Championships, as well as the 2023 Asian Games. Additionally, he earned a gold at an international meet in Japan and a bronze in France last year.

Domestically, Abdullah continued his winning streak this year with gold medals at the National Athletics Championship and the Open Jumps competition, achieving a personal best jump of 17.19 meters.