Times of India Sports Awards 2026 Set for Lucknow 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 vibrant city of Lucknow. This grand event will honor the remarkable achievements of India's finest athletes across a diverse range of disciplines, shining a spotlight on their dedication and success on the global stage.
Recognizing a Year of Sporting Prowess
The awards are designed to celebrate performances delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2025, acknowledging standout displays at global championships and major international competitions. With more than 45 categories, TOISA not only highlights established champions but also emerging talents who have brought immense pride to the nation through their exceptional efforts during the year.
Distinguished Jury to Ensure Credible Selection
The winners will be selected by a distinguished jury comprising some of India's most celebrated sporting icons. This panel includes Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra, hockey legend PR Sreejesh, former cricket team captain Mithali Raj, Paralympic great Devendra Jhajharia, table tennis stalwart Sharath Kamal, and tennis icon Leander Paes. Their expert evaluation of nominees across categories will ensure a credible and thorough assessment of excellence in Indian sport.
Equestrian Nominees Reflect India's Growing Strength
The equestrian nominees for TOISA 2025 underscore India's burgeoning prowess in this discipline on the continental stage. Ashish Limaye made history by winning individual gold in eventing at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships, marking India's first-ever individual gold at the event, and also contributed to the country's team silver. Veteran rider Shruti Vora enjoyed an outstanding campaign with three silver medals in dressage disciplines, while Divyakriti Singh played a key role in India's team dressage silver and maintained her status among Asia's top riders. Together, their performances highlighted a memorable year for Indian equestrian sport.
Meet the Equestrian Nominees for TOISA 2025
Ashish Limaye
- Date of Birth: November 22, 1993
- Place of Birth: Pune, Maharashtra
- Sport: Equestrian
- Major Achievements in 2025: FEI Asian Equestrian Championships: Gold (Individual - Eventing), Silver (Team - Eventing)
Ashish Limaye spearheaded India's success in eventing with a landmark performance at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships, clinching the individual gold medal and etching his name in history as the country's first-ever individual gold medallist at the event. He also played a pivotal role in guiding India to team silver in eventing, combining forces with Shashank Singh Kataria and Shashank Kanmuri to secure a memorable podium finish for the nation.
Shruti Vora
- Date of Birth: January 6, 1971
- Place of Birth: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Sport: Equestrian
- Major Achievements in 2025: FEI Asian Equestrian Championships: Three silver medals (Individual - Dressage; Dressage Intermediate Freestyle-I; Team Dressage)
Shruti Vora enjoyed a standout 2025 season, highlighted by an impressive medal haul at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships in Pattaya, Thailand. Competing in dressage, the veteran 55-year-old secured three silver medals—one in the individual event, another in the Intermediate Freestyle-I, and a third in the team competition. Vora combined with Divyakriti Singh and Gaurav Pundir to power India to a podium finish in the team event, capping off a memorable continental campaign.
Divyakriti Singh
- Date of Birth: October 22, 1999
- Place of Birth: Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Sport: Equestrian
- Major Achievements in 2025: FEI Asian Equestrian Championships: Silver (Team Dressage)
Divyakriti Singh played a pivotal role in India's silver-medal finish in Team Dressage at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships, further cementing her place among the country's most accomplished riders. With this podium finish, she became the only Indian equestrian to have won medals at both the Asian Games and the Asian Championships. Earlier in May 2025, Divyakriti reclaimed the No. 1 ranking in Asia in the Global Dressage Rankings for 2024–25, published by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), the sport's global governing body.
This edition of TOISA promises to be a grand celebration of India's sporting legends, bringing together the best of athletic talent from across the nation.
