Times of India Sports Awards 2026 Set for Lucknow on March 21
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 celebrate the remarkable achievements and inspiring journeys of India's finest athletes across a diverse range of disciplines. TOISA 2026 aims to honor performances delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2025, spotlighting standout accomplishments at major international tournaments and world championships.
Comprehensive Recognition Across Over 45 Categories
Featuring more than 45 award categories, the ceremony will recognize both established legends and promising young talents who have brought pride to the nation. Winners will be selected by a distinguished panel of sporting icons, ensuring a credible and expert evaluation of excellence in Indian sport. The panel includes celebrated figures such as Abhinav Bindra, PR Sreejesh, Mithali Raj, Devendra Jhajharia, Sharath Kamal, and Leander Paes.
Spotlight on Football Achievements in 2025
Football – Male
- Subhasish Bose: Born on August 18, 1995, in Kolkata, West Bengal, he had a stellar year in 2025. He was named AIFF Men's Player of the Year (2024–25), captained Mohun Bagan Super Giant to both the ISL Shield and Cup titles, and netted 6 goals from left-back, a record high for an Indian defender in a single season. His leadership was instrumental in Mohun Bagan becoming only the second team in ISL history to sweep both major trophies.
- Sunil Chhetri: Born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, Telangana, he made a sensational "one-match comeback" in March 2025, leading India to a 1-0 win over the Maldives and reaching 95 international goals. At age 40, he finished the 2024–25 season as the highest Indian goalscorer with 12 goals for Bengaluru FC.
- Vishal Kaith: Born on July 22, 1996, in Rohru, Himachal Pradesh, he was named AIFF Men's Goalkeeper of the Year, won the ISL Golden Glove with 15 clean sheets, and became the first goalkeeper to win the ISL Player of the Month award in January 2025.
- Brison Fernandes: Born on April 17, 2001, in Loutolim, Goa, he was named Men's Promising Player of the Year, crowned ISL Emerging Player of the Season, and became the first Indian player to score back-to-back braces in the ISL, earning his first senior national team caps.
- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu: Born on February 3, 1992, in Mohali, Punjab, he led Bengaluru FC to a second-place ISL finish and remained the first-choice goalkeeper for India during the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, ranking among the top 3 goalkeepers for save percentage.
Football – Female
- Soumya Guguloth: Born on July 18, 2001, in Mahabubabad, Telangana, she was awarded AIFF Women's Player of the Year, became champion with East Bengal FC in the Indian Women's League (IWL), and was the IWL top Indian scorer with 9 goals, becoming the first player from Telangana to win the AIFF's top individual honour.
- Grace Dangmei: Born on February 5, 1996, in Dimdailong, Manipur, she scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory against Hertha BSC, was a key contributor to India's unbeaten qualification run at AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, and led Sribhumi FC to a mid-table finish in IWL.
- Elangbam Panthoi Chanu: Born on February 1, 1996, in Keirak, Manipur, she was awarded AIFF Women's Goalkeeper of the Year, became champion with East Bengal FC in IWL, won the IWL Golden Glove with 7 clean sheets, and guarded the net as India qualified without a single defeat at AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers.
- Manisha Kalyan: Born on November 27, 2001, in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, she signed for Alianza Lima Femenino, becoming the first Indian woman to join a South American club, scored 4 goals during AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, and scored the opening goal in India's 2-0 win over Jordan at Pink Ladies Cup.
- Pyari Xaxa: Born on May 18, 1997, in Jajpur, Odisha, she was voted FPAI Woman Indian Player of the Year, scored historic 5 goals in a single match against Mongolia at AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, and became only the sixth Indian woman to score 5+ goals in an international match.
This event promises to be a significant celebration of Indian sports, highlighting the dedication and success of athletes who have excelled on both national and international stages.
