Lucknow to Host Prestigious Times of India Sports Awards in 2026
The eighth edition of The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) is set to illuminate Lucknow on March 21, 2026, gathering India's most celebrated sporting icons for a grand celebration of athletic excellence. This prestigious event aims to honor the outstanding achievements, unwavering perseverance, and dedicated efforts of Indian athletes who brought glory to the nation during the 2025 sporting season.
Expansive Recognition Across Disciplines
In this edition, TOISA will acknowledge accomplishments across a broad spectrum of 49 categories, comprising 36 sports and 13 para sports. With over 190 nominations submitted, the awards cover both individual brilliance and team performances, ensuring a comprehensive tribute to India's sporting diversity.
Illustrious Jury Panel to Ensure Fair Selection
The winners will be chosen by a distinguished jury composed of legendary athletes whose own feats have significantly shaped Indian sports. Their collective experience, credibility, and deep understanding of competitive arenas guarantee that the honors genuinely reflect excellence on the global stage.
Here is the esteemed jury for TOISA 2025:
- Abhinav Bindra — Shooting: India's first individual Olympic gold medallist, Bindra made history at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has been honored with the Padma Bhushan, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, and Arjuna Award.
- PR Sreejesh — Hockey: A key figure in India's hockey resurgence, Sreejesh contributed to Olympic bronze medals in 2020 and 2024, earning accolades like the Padma Bhushan and FIH Goalkeeper of the Year.
- Mithali Raj — Cricket: A trailblazer in women's cricket, Raj is the highest run-scorer internationally and led India to two World Cup finals, recognized with the Padma Shri and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna.
- Devendra Jhajharia — Para Athletics: India's only two-time Paralympic gold medallist in javelin, Jhajharia has broken world records and received honors including the Padma Bhushan and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna.
- Sharath Kamal — Table Tennis: Regarded as India's greatest table tennis player, Kamal has won 13 Commonwealth Games medals and represented India in five Olympics, earning the Padma Shri and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna.
- Leander Paes — Tennis: With 18 Grand Slam titles and an Olympic bronze medal, Paes is a decorated figure in Indian tennis, honored with the Padma Bhushan and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna.
This event not only celebrates past achievements but also inspires future generations to strive for greatness in sports.
