Times of India Sports Awards 2025 Set to Celebrate India's Sporting Excellence
The eighth edition of the prestigious Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) is scheduled to take place on March 21, 2026, in the historic city of Lucknow. This grand event will celebrate the inspiring journeys and remarkable achievements of India's finest athletes across numerous sporting disciplines, shining a spotlight on the nation's growing prowess on the global stage.
Recognizing Excellence Across the Sporting Spectrum
TOISA 2025 will specifically recognize performances delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2025, highlighting standout displays at global championships and major international competitions throughout that year. The event features more than 45 distinct award categories, ensuring comprehensive coverage of both established stars and emerging talents who have made the nation proud through their exceptional performances.
The selection process will be overseen by a distinguished jury comprising some of India's most respected sporting icons. This panel includes Olympic champion shooter 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 the diverse landscape of Indian sport.
Celebrating the Mentors Behind the Success
The nominees for TOISA 2025 awards represent outstanding mentors and coaches who have played pivotal roles in shaping India's sporting success on the global stage. These dedicated professionals have guided athletes to historic achievements through their expertise and commitment.
Amol Muzumdar: Architect of Cricket History
Amol Muzumdar, born on November 11, 1974, in Mumbai, led the Indian women's cricket team to a historic milestone by guiding them to their maiden ICC Women's ODI World Cup title in 2025. A celebrated figure in Indian cricket both as a player and coach, Muzumdar remains the second-highest run-getter in Ranji Trophy history, earning a reputation for consistency, technique, and cricketing acumen over a career spanning decades.
Appointed as head coach of the Indian women's national cricket team in October 2023, Muzumdar's coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, mental toughness, and maximizing individual potential. This approach played a crucial role in transforming India's bowling and batting units into a formidable force that achieved the historic World Cup victory.
Suresh Singh: Shooting Success Mentor
Suresh Singh, a renowned Indian shooting coach known for his expertise in developing elite-level athletes in the Women's 10m Air Pistol event, mentored Suruchi Inder Singh to multiple medals across prestigious competitions in 2025. Under Singh's guidance, Suruchi achieved extraordinary success including a silver medal in the team event at the World Championships, an individual gold at the World Cup Final, and multiple medals at the Asian Championships with gold in the team event, silver in mixed team, and two bronze medals.
The World Cup circuit also saw her secure three individual golds, one mixed team gold, and a mixed team bronze, reflecting consistent excellence developed under Singh's mentorship.
Namrata Deshmukh: Chess Champion Builder
Namrata Deshmukh, mother and coach of rising star Divya Deshmukh, has emerged as one of India's most influential figures in women's chess. Combining deep understanding of the game with a nurturing approach, Namrata played a critical role in shaping Divya's journey from talented youngster to global contender.
Under her guidance in 2025, Divya achieved historic milestones including clinching the Women's Chess World Cup, earning the prestigious Grandmaster (GM) title, and securing qualification for the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament. Beyond technical training, Namrata's mentorship as a mother-coach has provided Divya with unwavering support, balancing discipline with encouragement.
Ashok Kumar Rana: Shooting Excellence Guide
Ashok Kumar Rana, father and coach of elite shooter Samrat Rana, has been a cornerstone of India's shooting success, combining technical expertise with dedicated mentorship. A veteran in the sport, Ashok has played a crucial role in guiding his son to the highest levels of international competition, emphasizing precision, discipline, and mental resilience.
Under his coaching in 2025, Samrat achieved remarkable success across major events including gold medals in both individual and team events at the World Championships along with a silver in mixed team category. At the World Cup Final, he secured a bronze in individual event, while his Asian Championships performance added two silver medals in mixed team and team events plus a bronze in individual category.
The Times of India Sports Awards continues to serve as a premier platform for recognizing and celebrating the dedication, talent, and achievements that define Indian sports. By honoring both athletes and their mentors, TOISA 2025 reinforces the importance of the complete ecosystem that drives sporting excellence in the country.
