Shivsinh Thakor - Young Sports Personality of the Year Female

BASAs proud history of recognising and rewarding some of England’s most talented young cricketers continues with a Leicestershire lad who has set his sights on taking on Sachin Tendulkar to be the best in the world.

BEING called up to the England Under-19 team can be seen as a privilege for any up-coming cricketer.

For batsman Shivsinh Thakor, it is almost expected of him to excel at age group level if his reputation is anything to go by.

After all, he has been getting rave reviews ever since becoming the youngest player to score a century for Leicestershire in age group level, achieving the feat in an under-9s match with Surrey.

He also scored a double-century in the under-13s National Schools Championship semi-final as well as a half-century for England U-15 at Lord's in 2008.

Thakor has continued to rise up the rankings and went from captaining the England Under-17 team to being named as vice-captain for the U-19s winter tour to Sri Lanka.

So his victory at the British Asian Sports Awards (BASA) would have come as no surprise for the confident youngster for the 17-year-old.

Thakor beat Leicester City goalkeeper Raajan Singh Gill and rising golfer Pavan Sagoo to the title of Young Sports Personality of the Year (male) at the 10

edition of the prestigious awards.

"I'm speechless. This is a huge honour for me. I've been really nervous throughout the voting process and to finally hear that I've actually won is unreal,” said Thakor.

"I found out I was shortlisted a day before I was going on the Under 19 England Tour to Sri Lanka.

“It means such a great deal to me to win such a prestigious award and be recognised for my achievements in cricket thus far especially in the Asian community

Thakor added: "To be selected as vice-captain of the England U19s team and being awarded a three-year professional contract at Leicestershire CCC has made it a good 2010."

The ambitious youngster has already played for Leicestershire’s second eleven but has set his sights on making his first-team debut and rival his hero Sachin Tendulkar to become the best in the world.

He also wants to be the first captain to lead the England senior team to a world cup victory, barring Andrew Strauss achieving the feat in the on-going tournament in the subcontinent.

"I would like to be the best player in the world and captain England to their first world cup victory along with making England the best team in the world."

He added: "I admire Sachin Tendulkar as he has been arguably the best batsmen in the world for the best part of 20 years and continues to be a fantastic role model and has been for the extent of his career.

"The best piece of advice I have received is to work hard, be honest and enjoy the game and stay humble."

By Zohaib Rashid