Kamal Ghorui
The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) is set to return with its eighth edition, celebrating the inspiring journeys and achievements of India’s finest athletes across multiple disciplines. The much-anticipated TOISA 2025 ceremony will take place on March 21, 2026 in Lucknow, bringing together sporting icons and emerging stars who made the nation proud over the past year.This edition will recognise athletes across more than 45 sporting categories, honouring performances during the evaluation period from January 1 to December 31, 2025. From global championships to major international tournaments, Indian sport witnessed a remarkable year filled with memorable victories and record-breaking performances.Sport has a unique ability to unite people, cutting across barriers and bringing millions together in moments of pride and celebration. The Times of India Sports Awards aim to recognise not just victories on the field, but also the determination, sacrifices and relentless effort behind those triumphs. A distinguished jury comprising eminent Indian sporting personalities will select the winners across various categories.The past year produced several landmark achievements. Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra continued his remarkable run on the global stage with outstanding performances in the Diamond League, while shooter Samrat Rana clinched three medals at the World Shooting Championships.Indian cricket also enjoyed a historic year. The India women’s national cricket team lifted their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title on home soil, while the India national cricket team captured both the ICC Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup. In another remarkable feat, the India women’s blind cricket team became the first-ever champions of the Women’s Blind Cricket T20 World Cup.Beyond cricket, the India men’s national field hockey team triumphed at the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup, securing qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup in 2026. Indian para-athletes also shone brightly at the World Para Athletics Championships, returning home with a rich medal haul.Young talents made headlines too, with promising athletes like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in cricket, Divya Deshmukh in chess, and Tanvi Sharma in badminton emerging as stars of the future.Through these honours, TOISA continues its mission of celebrating India’s sporting heroes — the athletes whose grit, dedication and excellence inspire a nation.
