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21 April 2026  2 min read

Coach of the Year gong for Great Britain’s Krumesh Patel

Hosted at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on the 18 April, the Awards unite leaders, community organisations, and partners from across the sporting landscape to honour those driving real and lasting progress in race equality and inclusion.

Patel was acknowledged for being a trailblazer in elite sport, with his leadership and representation showing that excellence at the highest level is achievable and inclusive.

Patel said: “[I'm] honoured to receive this award from Sporting Equals.

“It’s not always easy to be seen, and the path can feel a little different for some of us – but moments like this remind me why it’s worth pushing forward.

“Hopefully, it helps opens doors and shifts the narrative for those coming next.”

In February, Patel was named as head coach of the GB Women’s programme and his first act in charge was securing a 100% record in the FIBA EuroBasket Women 2027 Qualifiers - topping Group D and marching confidently into the second phase of qualification.

Patel, who is an ambassador for the Asian Sports Foundation, coaches at Athinaikos Basketball Club in Greece and helped them win the Greek Cup this season. 

Sporting Equals is the UK’s leading charity promoting race equality and equity in sport and physical activity. The organisation works with partners across the sector to influence policy, build capacity, and create more inclusive environments.

Among the evening's other honours England women's rugby icon Maggie Alphonsi and the first black player to represent England at cricket, Roland Butcher, won the Special Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year went to England rugby's Maro Itoje and Sadia Kabeya, respectively.   

Sporting Equals Awards