GB Taekwondo Pathway Coach, Siva Ramasamy, has started his year exceptionally well by winning the ‘Coach of the Year’ award at the 2016 British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards (BEDSA).

Ramasamy has been recognised for his outstanding work as head coach of Gurumu Taekwondo club in London as well as GB Taekwondo’s Talent Pathway.

The award comes off the back of an amazing 2015 for the coach, as he received special recognition at the UK Coaching Awards by being named runner-up for the Performance Development Coach of the Year Award, where a grant was given that matched that of the winners.

Siva said: “The event itself was incredible and it’s different to anything I’ve attended before. I genuinely don’t feel I deserved to stand in such an arena, just the sheer sporting excellence that was at the awards was something else, it didn’t feel real.

The prestigious event was held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London and had many industry professionals and sporting personalities in attendance, such as Frank Bruno, James DeGale and Denise Lewis.

“There were two things that resonated with me, the amazing sporting legends who I had the honour of being in the same room as but also the unknown legends, who have been working tirelessly in their diverse communities, where there are still many social problems.

“The tremendous work they have carried out affected me quite a bit and I even got a little emotional, as for me – from a grassroot level – it’s all about inspiring people and children in my local community towards excellence; even if they’re not quite sure how to get on their path…it’s all about providing them with their stepping stone or avenue to getting there.

“Which is why it was more humbling for me to be amongst those selfless individuals, it was quite emotional, an absolute honour.

“Going to the Olympics and winning a gold medal is phenomenal but at the same time, helping a child off the streets and putting them on the right track to aspire to be something great is a completely different challenge. To witness Taekwondo at a grassroot level and be able to do that is such a privilege.

“Working on the GB Pathway and being able to witness those grassroots kids work to that next level is something else and for them to aim to qualify for World Championships and other major events is fantastic.”