TOISA 2025 Awards Ceremony to Celebrate Indian Sporting Excellence in Lucknow
The eighth edition of the prestigious Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) is scheduled to take place on March 21, 2026, in the vibrant city of Lucknow. This grand event will honor the inspiring journeys and remarkable achievements of India's finest athletes across a diverse range of sporting disciplines. TOISA 2025 will specifically recognize performances delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2025, spotlighting standout displays at global championships and major international competitions that brought pride to the nation.
Comprehensive Recognition Across Over 45 Award Categories
Featuring more than 45 award categories, the ceremony aims to celebrate both established stars and emerging talents who have excelled on the world stage. The winners will be selected by a distinguished jury comprising some of India's most respected sporting icons, ensuring a credible and balanced evaluation of excellence across Indian sport. This elite 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.
Spotlight on Archery: Nominees for TOISA 2025 Archery Player of the Year
The TOISA 2025 Archery Player of the Year nominees highlight India's top archers who delivered exceptional performances on both international and national stages. In men's recurve, Dhiraj Bommadevara won gold at the Asian Archery Championships and bronze at the Archery World Cup Stage 1, while Atanu Das claimed the individual title at the Senior National Archery Championship and silver in the World Cup team event.
In men's compound, Prathamesh Fuge achieved gold at the World Archery Championships and Khelo India University Games, and Rishabh Yadav delivered record-breaking mixed team scores and multiple World Championship medals. Veteran Abhishek Verma also excelled with a mixed team gold and equalling the world record at the National Games.
Among women, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and Prithika Pradeep delivered stellar performances at World Cups, Asian Championships, and national events, underscoring India's strength in archery across disciplines.
Detailed Profiles of Key Archery Contenders
Dhiraj Bommadevara, born on September 4, 2001, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, is renowned for his competitive spirit. In 2025, he secured a bronze medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 and a historic gold at the Asian Archery Championships, reinforcing his status as a key figure in Indian archery.
Prathamesh Fuge, born on December 28, 2002, in Pimpri, Maharashtra, had a breakthrough year with gold at the World Archery Championships and double gold at the Khelo India University Games, showcasing his versatility and competitive depth.
Rishabh Yadav, born on August 13, 2002, in Gurugram, Haryana, set a world record in mixed team qualification and achieved a career-high World No. 4 ranking, with medals at the World Games and World Archery Championships.
Abhishek Verma, born on June 26, 1989, in New Delhi, continued his leadership with gold at the Asian Archery Championship and a world-record-equalling performance at the National Games.
Atanu Das, born on April 5, 1992, in Baranagar, West Bengal, made a strong comeback with silver at the Archery World Cup and a national championship title.
Ankita Bhakat, born on June 17, 1998, in Kolkata, West Bengal, contributed to India's silver medal in the women's recurve team at the Archery World Cup Stage 1.
Jyothi Surekha Vennam, born on July 3, 1996, in Challapalli, Andhra Pradesh, set a world record and became the first Indian woman to medal at the Archery World Cup Final.
Deepika Kumari, born on June 13, 1994, in Ranchi, Jharkhand, added a World Cup bronze and National Games gold to her illustrious career.
Prithika Pradeep emerged as a rising star with silver at the Asian Archery Championships and contributions to team gold and silver medals.
A Celebration of Sporting Legends
This event not only honors individual achievements but also celebrates the collective spirit of Indian sports. With a focus on excellence and inspiration, TOISA 2025 promises to be a memorable occasion for athletes, fans, and the sporting community alike, highlighting the nation's growing prowess on the global stage.
