Times of India Sports Awards 2025 Set to Spotlight India's Sporting Excellence
The eighth edition of the prestigious Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) is poised to celebrate the inspiring journeys and remarkable achievements of India's finest athletes across a diverse range of disciplines. This highly anticipated ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 21, 2026, in the vibrant city of Lucknow, bringing together a constellation of sporting icons and emerging stars who have brought immense pride to the nation over the past year.
Recognition of 2025 Performances Across Over 45 Categories
TOISA 2025 will specifically honor athletic performances during the evaluation period from January 1 to December 31, 2025. With more than 45 sporting categories, the awards will highlight exceptional achievements from global championships and major international tournaments. The selection of winners will be entrusted to a distinguished jury comprising legendary figures such as Abhinav Bindra, PR Sreejesh, Mithali Raj, Devendra Jhajharia, Sharath Kamal, and Leander Paes, ensuring a credible and esteemed adjudication process.
Para Shooting Nominees Showcase Stellar 2025 Seasons
Among the standout nominees, India's para shooting contingent has delivered extraordinary performances in 2025, demonstrating resilience and world-class skill. Here are the key para shooting players nominated for TOISA 2025:
- Rubi Kumari experienced a breakthrough season in the P3 25m Pistol SH1 event. Hailing from Sonipat, she secured a silver medal at the WSPS World Cup in Al Ain and set a new national record in qualification at the 6th National Para Shooting Championship. Additionally, she won gold in the P3 Mixed 25m Pistol event at the Khelo India Para Games. Her consistent podium finishes propelled her into the global Top 10 rankings for the first time, marking 2025 as a defining year in her career.
- Avani Lekhara continued her dominance on the international stage with another outstanding season. She clinched gold in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the WSPS World Cup in Al Ain and added two silver medals in other rifle events at the same competition. Avani retained her World No. 1 ranking in the SH1 category for the fourth consecutive year and was also named Sportswoman of the Year in para sports at the Indian Sports Awards 2025, reinforcing her status as a leading figure in para shooting.
- Mona Agarwal enjoyed a highly successful year highlighted by a silver medal in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Changwon World Cup. She also won gold and two silver medals at the Khelo India Para Games. At the 6th National Para Shooting Championship, she dominated the field with five medals, including two golds. Throughout the season, she remained among the Top 3 shooters in the world rankings, underlining her remarkable consistency.
- Sandeep Kumar emerged as one of India's leading para pistol shooters in 2025 after winning gold in the P3 25m Pistol Mixed SH1 event at the World AbilitySport Games in Thailand. He also finished among the top performers at the national championships and consistently reached final rounds during the World Cup series, highlighting his reliability in the 25m mixed pistol discipline.
- Nihal Singh strengthened his position among the world's best shooters during the season. He won an individual silver medal in the P3 Mixed 25m Pistol SH1 event at the Changwon World Cup and contributed to a team gold alongside Bhat Amir Ahmad and Rahul Jakhar. Singh delivered another impressive showing at the Khelo India Para Games and maintained the World No. 2 ranking in his category, confirming his place among global contenders.
- Rudransh Khandelwal enjoyed a sensational breakthrough year. The young shooter lit up the Changwon World Cup with a five-medal haul that included gold in the P1 10m Air Pistol event along with three silvers and a bronze. He later added another World Cup gold in Al Ain in the mixed 50m pistol event. During the season, he set a junior world record in the P1 Men's 10m Air Pistol SH1 event and established a national record score of 244.2 at the 2025 National Championships.
- Bhat Amir Ahmad reached a historic milestone in 2025 by becoming the first Indian para pistol shooter to achieve the World No. 1 ranking in the P3 Mixed 25m Pistol SH1 category. His season included a gold medal at the Changwon World Cup and gold and bronze medals in Al Ain. Across just two international competitions, he secured five medals, including three golds, highlighting his remarkable consistency and dominance.
Celebrating Dedication and Excellence in Para Sports
As TOISA 2025 approaches, these para shooting stars exemplify the dedication, resilience, and excellence that continue to elevate India's presence in global para sports. Their achievements not only inspire future generations but also underscore the growing prominence of Indian athletes on the world stage. The Times of India Sports Awards serves as a pivotal platform to honor such sporting legends, celebrating their contributions to the nation's athletic legacy.
