Times of India Sports Awards 2025 Set 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 aims to honor the remarkable achievements and inspiring journeys of India's elite athletes across a diverse range of sports disciplines.
Comprehensive Recognition for 2025 Performances
TOISA 2025 will specifically acknowledge outstanding sporting performances that occurred between January 1 and December 31, 2025. The awards will highlight standout moments from global championships and international tournaments, ensuring that both iconic sporting legends and emerging talents receive due recognition for bringing pride to the nation.
With more than 45 distinct categories, the awards ceremony promises to be a comprehensive celebration of Indian sports. The selection process will be overseen by a distinguished jury comprising sporting legends such as Abhinav Bindra, PR Sreejesh, Mithali Raj, Devendra Jhajharia, Sharath Kamal, and Leander Paes, guaranteeing credible and authoritative recognition of excellence in Indian sport.
Spotlight on Boxing Nominees for TOISA 2025
Among the numerous athletes being considered, several boxers have been nominated for their exceptional performances in 2025. Here is a detailed look at the nominees in the boxing categories:
Male Boxing Nominees
- Sachin Siwach: Born in December 1999 in Bhiwani, Haryana, Sachin secured a gold medal in the men's 60 kg category at the 2025 World Boxing Cup Finals in Greater Noida. He defeated Kyrgyzstan's Munarbek Seitbek Uulu in the final, playing a pivotal role in India's multiple gold medals at the season-ending event. Additionally, he earned a bronze at the World Boxing Cup Brazil leg.
- Hitesh Gulia: Hitesh claimed the gold medal in the men's 70 kg category at the 2025 World Boxing Cup Finals in Greater Noida, triumphing over Kazakhstan's Mursal Nurbek. He also won gold at the Brazil leg of the World Boxing Cup, outclassing Kan Chia-Wei of Chinese Taipei with a 5-0 victory in the light middleweight division.
- Pawan Bartwal: Hailing from Uttarakhand, Pawan won the silver medal in the men's 55 kg category at the 2025 World Boxing Cup Finals in Greater Noida. He reached the final and finished as runner-up after a strong performance throughout the tournament.
- Ankush Panghal: Originating from Haryana, Ankush earned a silver medal in the men's 80 kg category at the 2025 World Boxing Cup Finals in Greater Noida. His efforts contributed significantly to India's multiple podium finishes across weight divisions.
Female Boxing Nominees
- Minakshi Hooda: Born on August 2, 2001, in Rurki, Rohtak, Haryana, Minakshi achieved a gold medal in the women's 48 kg event at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool. She defeated Kazakhstan's Olympic bronze medallist Nazym Kyzaibay 4-1 in the final to become world champion. She also won gold at the World Boxing Cup Finals.
- Jaismine Lamboria: Born in 2001 in Haryana, Jaismine secured the gold medal in the women's 57 kg category at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool. She defeated Olympic silver medallist Julia Szeremeta of Poland 4-1 in the final, helping India secure two gold medals among four total medals at the championships.
- Nikhat Zareen: Born on June 14, 1996, in Nizamabad, Andhra Pradesh, Nikhat won the gold medal in the women's 51 kg category at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025 in Greater Noida. She defeated Chinese Taipei's Guo Yi Xuan 5-0 in the final, marking a triumphant return to top form and reinforcing her status as a leading pugilist.
- Pooja Rani: Born in 1991 in Bhiwani, Haryana, Pooja earned a bronze medal in the women's 80 kg category at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool. She reached the semifinals, where she lost to England's Emily Asquith by a 4-1 split decision. Additionally, she won gold at the Women's National Boxing Championships.
The Times of India Sports Awards 2025 promises to be a landmark event, celebrating the dedication and success of Indian athletes on a global stage. With a focus on credible recognition and inspiring stories, it aims to boost the morale of the sporting community and encourage future generations to pursue excellence in sports.
