Celebrating Excellence: The Eighth Edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) Set for March 21, 2026, in Lucknow
Lucknow to Host the Eighth Edition of Times of India Sports Awards on March 21, 2026
Lucknow, India – The countdown has begun for the eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA), set to take place on March 21, 2026, in the vibrant city of Lucknow. This prestigious event will honor the remarkable journeys and achievements of India’s finest athletes across various sports, celebrating their contributions to the nation’s sporting legacy.
TOISA 2025 will spotlight performances from January 1 to December 31, 2025, recognizing standout displays at global championships and major international competitions. With over 45 award categories, the event aims to honor both established stars and emerging talents who have made India proud through their exceptional performances.
A distinguished jury, featuring some of India’s most respected sporting icons, will select the winners. The panel includes Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra, hockey legend PR Sreejesh, batting great Mithali Raj, Paralympic champion Devendra Jhajharia, table tennis stalwart Sharath Kamal, and tennis legend Leander Paes. Their collective expertise ensures a credible and balanced evaluation of excellence across Indian sport.
Among the nominees for the TOISA 2025 Emerging Player of the Year award are a new generation of athletes who have made significant impacts on the global stage.
Badminton Star Tanvi Sharma
At just 16 years old, Tanvi Sharma from Hoshiarpur, Punjab, has already made waves in the badminton world. In 2025, she clinched a silver medal in the Girl’s Singles at the BWF World Junior Championships and a gold at the Denmark Challenge. Her agility and tactical prowess have set her apart, making her a promising future star for Indian badminton.
Chess Prodigy Divya Deshmukh
Divya Deshmukh, born in Nagpur, Maharashtra, has rapidly ascended the ranks of international chess. In 2025, she won the Women’s Chess World Cup and earned the prestigious Grandmaster title, becoming India’s 88th Grandmaster. Her remarkable achievements have positioned her as a major force in global women’s chess, inspiring a new generation of players.
Cricket Sensation Shree Charani
Hailing from Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, Shree Charani made history by becoming the first woman from her district to join the Indian national team. In 2025, she played a pivotal role in India’s ICC Women’s ODI World Cup victory, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker. Her performances have not only strengthened India’s bowling attack but also inspired countless young girls to pursue their dreams in sports.
Teenage Cricket Star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
At just 14 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from Samastipur, Bihar, has taken the cricketing world by storm. He became the youngest debutant in IPL history and the youngest player to score a century in the tournament. His record-breaking feats have earned him the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, India’s highest civilian honor for children, marking him as a future cricketing legend.
The TOISA 2025 promises to be a night of celebration, recognizing the talent, dedication, and hard work of these young athletes who embody the bright future of Indian sports.
For more information and to book passes, visit Times of India Sports Awards.