Amir Khan - Sony Entertainment Television Asia Sports Personality of the Decade

THE Lebara British Asian Sports Awards (BASA) has a reputation for recognising talent from the community before they go on to make an impact in their chosen sport.

In the last 10 years, BASA has unearthed a number of gems including Commonwealth silver medallist Rajiv Ouseph, England women's cricketer Isa Guha as well as Josh Shama, who has just been awarded a scholarship at Reading Football Club.

But the biggest star to emerge from the community is Amir Khan, who has taken boxing by storm and come good on his promise by becoming world champion.

He was honoured at the 10th annual BASA awards ceremony by being crowned the Sony Entertainment Television Asia Sports Personality of the Decade.

Khan wasn't available to pick up the award as he is currently training for his WBA world light-welterweight title defence against Paul McCloskey at Manchester's MEN Arena on April 16.

Instead, it was the younger Khan, Haroon, who picked up the award on his brother's behalf in front of a glittering audience at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London's Park Lane which included hosts Nitin Ganatra and Laila Rouass as well as X Factor stars Olly Murs and Shayne Ward.

Also in attendance was England and Lancashir bowler Sajid Mahmood, who is Amir and Haroon's cousin, comedian Gina Yashere, Anuvahood and Shank star Adam Deacon, Eastenders stars Diane Parish, Ramon Tikaram and Ricky Norwood, cricketers Isa Guha and Farukh Engineer.

“I know Amir is gutted that he can’t be here today," said Haroon as he collected the trophy.

"Acknowledgement from the Lebara British Asian Sports Awards means so much to him. He’s got all four of his Awards in pride of place at home.

“The judges were the first to recognise his talent and the BASAs put him on the map, way before anyone had even heard of him. And now, a whole 10 years on, the Lebara British Asian Sports Awards are still behind him, acknowledging his incredible journey.

Haroon added: “He has been a huge inspiration as an Ambassador for the Awards, and definitely one for me. I’m honoured to be collecting this award on his behalf and maybe next year it will be me on stage for a different reason!”

And not to miss out on celebrating his achievement, Amir left a video message for the audience, speaking about his overwhelming proud of being honoured by BASA.

“This is an amazing award to receive, and I hope that my success will go some way to inspiring all those sporting hopefuls out in the community to believe that they can achieve their dreams too," said the BASA ambassador and four-time winner at the awards.

"Without BASA’s recognition all those years ago, I am not sure I would have had the immense support I have from the community. Thank you.”

Five moments which made it a great decade for Amir Khan

Winning the Silver medal at the Athens Olympics in August 2004

He might have come second best to Cuban legend Mario Kindelan in the final of the boxing event, but Khan made a huge impression and was headline news both on the front and back of the newspapers.

Beating Willie Limond to become champion of the Commonwealth in July 2007

King Khan marked two years as a professional by despatching the Scottish fighter inside eight rounds to lift the Commonwealth lightweight title at the O2 Arena in London. Khan was floored in the sixth round but came back to retire Limond.

Defeat to Breidis Prescott inside the first round in September 2008

Losing his unbeaten record was a big blow for Khan but even by his own admission, it was a blessing in disguise. Prescott blew Khan away at Manchester but it was just a little stumbling block for Khan, who went on to come good on his promise and…

Becoming world champion by beating Andreas Kotelnik in July 2009

Khan banished the memories of the Prescott performance with a cool and professional victory over Kotelnik at the MEN Arena in Manchester. Khan dominated the fight and was rightly awarded a unanimous decision by the judges.

Making the perfect start in America in 2010

Having conquered the world title, Khan’s next mission was to show America what he was all about and the two bouts against Paulie Malignaggi and Marcos Maidana definitely brought him new fans Stateside.