As the winners were announced at the fourth annual Sony Entertainment Television Sports Personality of the Year Awards on Saturday 22nd January 2005, boxing Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan had more than one reason to celebrate. The 17-year old is less than three weeks away from making his senior Amateur Boxing Association Championships debut, thus cementing his decision to stay amateur and he picked up the Sony 'Sports Personality of the Year' Award.

The awards ceremony honoured not only professional South Asian sports stars but also highlighted talented amateur and semi- professional British South Asians who have not previously received the recognition.

Voted by the public, the nominees were specifically chosen for their contribution and achievements in sports in the UK and with 9 sponsored awards including a lifetime achievement award, the event assembled all the leading names in British sports such as Jermain Defoe, Amir Khan, Henry and Robbie Paul, John Fashanu, Kriss Akabusi, and Farokh Engineer. Entertaining the masses were chart-topping band Girls Aloud, girl group Rouge, the talented Tina Sugandh, D.I.P and Big Brovaz. High profile stars and dignitaries included Footballer's Wives' beauty Laila Rouass, internationally acclaimed pop artist Raghav, actress Seeta Indrani, the inimitable Goldie, Pakistani actress Meera and Bend It Like Beckham actor Ameet Chana hosted the show. The event also raised impressive funds for Cancer Research UK and the Bobby Moore Fund.

Rajan Singh- Executive Vice President International Business for SET Asia said; 'The SET Sports Personality of the Year Awards is a unique event which offers a fantastic platform to showcase across the globe the immense sporting talent that exists within the Asian community both in the UK. The profile and stature of the event is second to none and it goes from strength to strength each year.'

The winners were:

Young Sports Personality of the Year

Sahil Agarwal is the current captain of the Stanmore Cricket Club and was voted their best player last year. An integral part of the Middlesex under-ten's team and has been labelled by Middlesex officials as being one of the most technically gifted young batsmen.

Junior Sports Personality of the Year Male

Humzah Mahmood is one of the top young tennis prospects in the U.K. and being groomed by renowned tennis coach Alan Jones who coached Jo Durie. With numerous accolades under his belt 2004 has been a great year. He plays on regular basis with the likes of Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski and is touted as a star of the future.

Junior Sports Personality of the Year female

Vanisha Patel is an exciting young footballer that has been playing in the Kent girl's football league. Over the past year Vanisha as captain for her team has led them to two tournament victories and was voted player of year for 2004 by her team. Her ability has caught the eye of Charlton Athletic Football Club and she is on the first step to playing professionally.

Up & Coming Sports Personality of the Year

Barinder Singh is an exciting kickboxing talent who has been competing in the sport for the past three years. Last year he was crowned the British Light Welter Weight Champion, was a member of the England team against Ireland in an international meet and was undefeated in six competitive fights. Winner of the 2004 last man standing event against the best eight fighters in Great Britain, Barinder is an inspiration to younger members of his gym in Leicester and has a promising career ahead of him.

Outstanding Achievement Award

With over thirty years of his life dedicated to weight lifting & power lifting Jarnail Singh Birring has world, European and National titles. Currently with the British power lifting team and is a national referee and coach. He also co-ordinates an over sixties club in Derby and is very committed to working with individuals in improving their way of life.

The Army Team of the Year

The Sony Entertainment Television Asia 5 a-side Cup is one of the biggest championships of its kind. With over one hundred and forty of the best small side teams from all over the UK the championship is regarded as one of toughest to win. After nearly twenty matches undefeated through national qualifying stages and the national finals, Highfield Zebras, a part of the Highfield Rangers Football Club from Leicester claimed the crown of 2004 champions.

Group Lifetime Achievement Award

A flamboyant batsman and an agile wicketkeeper, Farokh Engineer played 56 tests for India scoring over 3000 runs and claiming over 100 catches. One of the many highlights of a sparkling career was smashing a superb century in only 46 balls against the mighty West Indies, which till today stands as the fastest test century ever hit against them. His talent was instantly spotted by English county teams and it was in Lancashire where he played for 12 enjoyable years until his retirement in 1976. Now a distinguished commentator for the likes of Sky Sports, Farokh Engineer remains as popular and entertaining as ever.

Coach of the Year

Jagtar Singh Johal is an experienced coach who has been inspirational in training numerous world kickboxing champions. Over the last year he has coached two British champions, an English champion and a midlands area champion. This year he was selected to coach for the Great Britain Kickboxing team. Twenty years of dedication to the sport and to the local community has clearly made his gym in Leicester an integral part of the community.

International Sports Personality of the Year

After exceptional performances against Australia and Pakistan, Irfan Pathan celebrated winning the Young Player of the Year Award at the ICC Cricket Awards at Alexandra Palace in the summer. He ended 2004 by achieving personal best figures of 11 for 96 against Bangladesh in Dhaka. Unfortunately Mr Pathan was not able to accept his award in person; instead Raghav collected the trophy on his behalf.

Sony Entertainment Television Sports Personality of the Year

Amir Khan won the hearts of the British public this summer as he took on the best that world amateur boxing had to offer and came out fighting. His four successive victories at the Olympic games in Greece won him a silver medal and turned the 17 year old into a household name across the country.

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