Karan Patel crowned Sports Personality for November

SJAK Treasurer Mukami Wambora (L) and LG Electronics EA Marketing Director Changh-Yun Kim (C) award Rally Driver Karan Patel after being named the LG/ SJAK Sports Personality of the Month Award winner for November, 2023 at the LG East Africa Offices at Dusit 2 on December 13, 2023.[SJAK]

Karan Patel, a Nairobi-based rally driver and Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, was named the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month for November.

Patel achieved this recognition after winning his first FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) in Tanzania. This is his second Sports Personality of the Month (SPOM) award, the first being in October 2022, the year he also claimed the Kenya National Rally Championship title.

Patel's recent victory comes after a period of exceptional performance, finishing second overall in the 2022 ARC season and triumphing in the Rally of Tanzania in November 2023. In this challenging competition, he overcame formidable opponents including Uganda's Jas Mangat.

To clinch the November award, Patel, also known as "KP," surpassed other notable athletes such as Michael Karanga, Kenya’s highest-ranked golfer, and Priscillah Biwott, a 58-year-old athlete who won gold in the 5000m at the Africa Masters Athletics Championships.

The prize-giving ceremony in Sao Hill Mafinga, Iringa, was a culmination of excitement and hard work for Patel and his partner Tauseef Khan throughout the 2023 ARC season. Patel, a Red Bull athlete, has now joined the ranks of Kenyan driving legends like Shekhar Mehta and Carl Tundo.

Reflecting on his achievement, Patel expressed his gratitude and excitement, acknowledging the effort put in by him and Khan. He was rewarded for his November victory with an LG washing machine valued at Sh 101,000.

Patel and Khan's journey to the title was marked by strategic skill, as they navigated victories in Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, and Zambia. Despite opting out of some rallies, their consistent performance throughout the season earned them the prestigious title.

LG Electronics EA Marketing Director Changh-Yun Kim congratulated Patel, highlighting the partnership with SJAK in recognizing sports excellence in Kenya. SJAK Treasurer Mukami Wambora also commended LG's consistent support for sports, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging talents at all levels