Nick Faldo gets knighthood for his golfing exploits

LONDON - Golfer Nick Faldo, who received a knighthood in recognition of an incredible sporting career, described the honour as a “real surprise”.

“I am more than a little bit humbled to have been afforded this great honour. The reaction from my children, family and friends has made this a very special moment for me,” said 51-year-old Faldo Friday.

Faldo became the youngest player to qualify for the Ryder Cup at the age of 20 and went on to win three Opens and three Masters.

Cricketer Graeme Hick was awarded an MBE - despite being criticised for his lacklustre England performances.

The 43-year-old said: “I am very honoured with the award. It was not something I expected or set out to achieve. You dream of things and after 25 years it is nice to have that sort of recognition.”

Long-serving England women’s cricketer Charlotte Edwards was also awarded an MBE. Charlotte, who was the youngest player to appear for England when she made her debut in 1995, called it a ‘huge honour’.

Jim Rainey, a key figure behind the campaign against sectarianism in Northern Irish football, has also been awarded the MBE.

Other sporting awards included CBEs for former England rugby player-turned-commentator Alastair Hignell, Peter King, who transformed British cycling, and Michael Brace, ex-chairman of Paralympics GB.

– Indo-Asian News Service