Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez was at the House of Commons on Thursday evening as he was named Sportsman of the Year at the Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards 2016.

- Riyad Mahrez named Sportsman of the Year at the Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards at the House of Commons

- The winger is presented with the award by Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons

- Asian Voice is the most popular Asian newspaper in the Asian community

- Mahrez has enjoyed an impactful year for the Foxes on and off the pitch

Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez was at the House of Commons on Thursday evening as he was named Sportsman of the Year at the Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards 2016.

Presented by Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, Mahrez was chosen after a vote by the readers of Asian Voice – the most popular Asian newspaper in Asian communities.

Chief Executive Susan Whelan, Director of Football Jon Rudkin, Leicester City midfielder N’Golo Kante, Keith Vaz MP and members of his family were among those who attended the ceremony with Riyad, along with more than 200 special guests in the Terrace Pavilion.

It’s an award that recognises the impressive impact that the winger has had in his sport over the last year. Mahrez’s goals and displays helped Leicester City to the most unlikely of Premier League survivals last season, before taking the league by storm in 2015/16 – registering 15 goals so far.

Riyad’s story is one that inspires, having been plucked from the French second tier as recently as 2014. But along with his remarkable rise, his mesmerising playing style also captures the imagination of aspiring youngsters, many of whom he has reached out to in the local community through Club events.

Speaking at the event, Riyad said: “Thank you to the Asian Voice and its readers for this prestigious award. It’s a great honour to be here tonight and to be nominated among some amazing athletes.





“Leicester is a proud multicultural city with a big Asian community, so it’s a great honour to accept this award from the Asian Voice as a representative of Leicester City and the city of Leicester.





“It’s already been an amazing season for everyone at Leicester City and we’re still working hard to finish strongly and to keep making our community proud.”

Also among the award winners on the night were:

Rt Hon Angus Robertson MP – Parliamentarian of the Year

Rt Hon Matthew Hancock MP – Cabinet Minister of the Year

Matthew Parris (The Times) – Journalist of the Year

Sir Trevor McDonald OBE – Lifetime Achievement Award