Celebrating the Future of Indian Sports: Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Divya Deshmukh Shine at TOISA 2025
Join us on March 21, 2026, in Lucknow for the eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards, where we honor the remarkable journeys of India’s emerging sports stars, including cricket sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi and chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh.
Rising Stars Shine Bright: Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Divya Deshmukh Nominated for TOISA 2025
Lucknow, March 21, 2026 – The eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) is set to celebrate the remarkable achievements of India’s finest athletes, and among the standout nominees are two extraordinary young talents: Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Divya Deshmukh. Scheduled to take place in Lucknow, the event will honor performances from 2025, a year that witnessed these athletes etch their names in the annals of sports history.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi: A Cricketing Prodigy
Born on March 27, 2011, in Samastipur, Bihar, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has taken the cricketing world by storm. In 2025, he made headlines by becoming the youngest debutant in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, and shortly thereafter, he scored a century, making him the youngest player to achieve this feat in the tournament. His fearless stroke play and mature approach have captivated fans and experts alike, marking him as a future cricketing legend.
Vaibhav’s groundbreaking achievements earned him the prestigious Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, India’s highest civilian honor for children. His journey is not just a testament to his talent but also an inspiration for countless young cricketers across the nation.
Divya Deshmukh: Chess Champion on the Rise
On the other hand, Divya Deshmukh, born on December 9, 2005, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, has rapidly established herself as one of India’s brightest chess talents. In 2025, she clinched the Women’s Chess World Cup title, defeating top contenders and solidifying her status as a formidable force in global women’s chess. This victory also earned her the coveted Grandmaster (GM) title, making her the fourth Indian woman to achieve this milestone.
Divya’s strategic brilliance and composure under pressure have not only brought her accolades but also qualified her for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, bringing her one step closer to challenging for the Women’s World Championship. Her success serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring chess players, showcasing the potential of Indian talent on the world stage.
A Celebration of Excellence
The TOISA 2025 will feature over 45 award categories, recognizing both established stars and emerging talents. The winners will be selected by a distinguished jury, including Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra, hockey legend PR Sreejesh, and tennis icon Leander Paes, ensuring a credible evaluation of excellence across Indian sports.
As the event approaches, the anticipation builds for the recognition of athletes like Vaibhav and Divya, who embody the promise and talent of a new generation. Their journeys not only inspire their peers but also ignite a passion for sports among the youth of India.
With the TOISA 2025 set to honor these remarkable achievements, the future of Indian sports looks brighter than ever.