Manish Tiwari, Rajiv Batra & Pam Gosal among winners at Asian Achievers Awards 2026
Business leaders, cultural icons, entrepreneurs and sports personalities came together in London for the 24th Asian Achievers Awards, one of the UK’s longest-running and most respected celebrations of British Asian excellence.
The annual event recognised individuals who have made significant contributions across business, public service, culture, education and community leadership, highlighting the impact of British Asians on the UK’s social and economic landscape.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the awards as an important national occasion. “For more than two decades, these awards have celebrated the outstanding contribution of British Asians,” he said, adding that the ceremony remains “such an important occasion in the calendar.”
Among this year’s winners was Rajiv Batra, Executive Chairman of the Batra Group, whose portfolio includes more than 20 international brands such as Hunter, Fila, Reebok and Vera Wang, supplying over 5,000 retailers globally.
Other recipients included Pam Gosal, the first Indian Sikh woman elected to the Scottish Parliament; Sanjeet Manek, founder of Sandea Wholesale and recipient of the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; and Nonita Kalra, Chief Creative Officer at Bennett, Coleman & Co.
The honours also recognised Dr Zafar Iqbal, former Head of Sports Medicine at Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Liverpool football clubs; Balvinder Singh Sanghera, founder of post-production company runVT; Gaurav Khullar, known for one of India’s largest private heritage art collections; and Chaitanya Tatineni, CEO of Curium Pharma, a company valued at more than $7 billion.
Additional award recipients included human rights and gender justice academic Professor Sunita Toor, multicultural marketing specialist Manish Tiwari, and Pravesh Kumar MBE, Founder and CEO of Rifco Theatre.
The evening was organised by advisory firm EPG and supported by a range of corporate, charitable and media partners. Actor Nitin Ganatra OBE returned as host, guiding guests through an evening that combined recognition, entertainment and celebration.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Pratik Dattani, Managing Director of EPG, said: “At a time when Britain is facing a continued cost-of-living crisis, frequent changes in government and an anti-immigrant sentiment, our Awards showcase the very best of what our community has to offer. I’m so proud that this event is considered the leading one of its kind in the UK, even after 24 years.”
Entertainment was provided by pioneering Asian-R&B producer Rishi Rich, who performed alongside acclaimed vocalist Ustad Rafaqat Ali Khan, known for his work on Bollywood hits including Krrish and Dhokha. Comedian Tez Ilyas, star of the BBC comedy Man Like Mobeen, also took to the stage, delivering a stand-up performance that kept the audience laughing throughout the evening.
The event’s charity partner was Pardada Pardadi, an organisation focused on empowering girls and women in Uttar Pradesh through education, healthcare, hygiene initiatives, community development and economic opportunities.
Winners List
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Asian Achievers Awards 2026 shortlist revealed
Achievement in Art and Culture
Pravesh Kumar MBE, Founder and CEO, Rifco Theatre
Achievement in Community Service
Dr Pam Gosal MBE, Former MSP and Deputy Chair, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Achievement in Media
Balvinder Singh Sanghera, Founder and CEO, runVT
Sports Personality of the Year
Dr Zafar Iqbal, Former Medical Director, Arsenal FC
Business Person of the Year
Rajiv Batra, Executive Chairman, Batra Group
Entrepreneur of the Year
Sanjeet Manek, Founder, Sandea Wholesale
Lifetime Achievement Award
Nonita Kalra, Chief Creative Officer – Luxury, Fashion and Lifestyle, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.
Professional of the Year
Chaitanya Tatineni, CEO, Curium Biopharma
Special Award for Contribution to Media
Manish Tiwari, Founder and CEO, Here & Now 365
Special Award for Contribution to Art
Gaurav Khullar, art collector
Woman of the Year
Prof Sunita Toor, Prof, Human Rights and Gender, Sheffield Hallam University
