CWG chairman Suresh Kalmadi tops SportzPower List 2009

Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi has catapulted to the top position in the SportzPower List 2009, while the once-powerful Lalit Modi and number one in 2008 has dropped to fifth position.

Union Sports Minister MS Gill has dropped two spots in 2009 and is placed at the 4th position and has been replaced by former BCCI president Sharad Pawar in the second position.

The rankings have been compiled by SportzPower, a media brand covering the various aspects related to the business and management of sports. The SportzPower each year comes out with an annual ranking of the top influencers and performers in the world of Indian sports.

While third place is occupied by Sahara chief Subroto Roy, the owner of Formula One team Force India and IPL franchise Royal Challengers, liquor baron Vijay Mallya makes his appearance at seventh spot, followed by the country's three top cricketers captain MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.

The Top 10 is completed by IOA General Secretary Randhir Singh, another important factor in the CWG 2010 extravaganza.

A good year sees badminton star Saina Nehwal, golfers Gagan Bhullar, Jeev Milkha Singh, C Muniyappa, tennis veteran Leander Paes and boxer Vijender Singh mark their spots, while Gautam Gambhir, Pankaj Advani, upcoming boxer Suranjoy Singh, badminton duo V Diju and Jwala Gutta complete the list.