Sanjay Bhandari: ‘the Awards Are About Honouring The Power Of Sport’

It is hard to believe that is already 12 months since we last gathered to celebrate the fantastic performances and impact of the sport industry.

These awards are a natural moment to pause and reflect. It has been another year of memorable contests, memorable performances and memorable individuals. Spain v The Lionesses. New Zealand v South Africa. Alcaraz v Djokovic.  Mary Earps v Nike. LIV Golf v PGA. Ashes 2 Ashes. Ronnie O’Sullivan. Luke Littler. Coco Gauff. Manchester City’s treble. Max Verstappen. The Red Roses.  Australia’s dominant Women’s T20 team. As we will see tonight, sport has again delivered its customary, thrilling escapism.

But the FEVO Sport Industry Awards have always been about much more than thrilling moments. They are also about honouring the power of sport to use the underlying collective connection epitomised in those memorable moments to have an impact on our world.  

The recent past and the near future of our wider world is much darker than when we met 12 months ago. The horror and suffering in Israel and Gaza from 7th October have changed the world. Reported incidents of Antisemitism and Islamophobia have risen very significantly in the UK. 2024 will involve more national elections globally than any year on record with key protagonists in influential countries likely to fight on divisive culture war issues. 2024 is also effectively a gap year in global AI and online safety regulation. This is potentially a perfect storm for stoking division and hate in society.

We have to be realistic about what sport can do. We cannot solve those wider geo-political issues. But we can do more than create those memorable moments of thrilling escapism. We can be vigilant and redouble our efforts to ensure that sport is a safe haven. That wider efforts to stoke division will not be tolerated on our watch and in our sports. That everyone is welcome and entitled to feel that they belong in sport. 

It has been an absolute privilege to Chair the Judges panel once again. We had some powerful passionate, and sometimes tense, but always respectful, discussions. We were bowled over by the breadth and quality of the nominations. Thank you to my fellow judges for their commitment and insight.

Special thanks to Tom Kingsley from EY for ensuring a fair process and everyone at SIG for all the hard work that makes tonight’s event possible.

Congratulations to all our nominees. Next week, we honour you all.