Times of India Sports Awards 2026 Set for Grand Celebration in Lucknow
The prestigious Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) is gearing up for its eighth edition, scheduled to take place on March 21, 2026, in the vibrant city of Lucknow. This grand event will shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and inspiring journeys of India's finest athletes across a diverse range of sports disciplines. The awards ceremony aims to honor those who have brought immense pride to the nation through their exceptional performances on the global stage.
Recognition of 2025 Performances and Expert Jury Selection
TOISA 2026 will specifically recognize athletic performances delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2025. This period includes standout moments from major international tournaments and global championships, ensuring that the awards reflect the most recent and impactful accomplishments in Indian sports. With over 45 award categories, the event is designed to celebrate both legendary performers and promising new talents who have demonstrated excellence and dedication.
The selection of award winners will be overseen by a distinguished jury comprising some of India's most revered sporting icons. This panel includes Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, hockey legend PR Sreejesh, cricket stalwart Mithali Raj, Paralympic champion Devendra Jhajharia, table tennis star Sharath Kamal, and tennis great Leander Paes. Their involvement guarantees a credible and expert evaluation, upholding the integrity and prestige of the awards.
Spotlight on India's Squash Stars: Male and Female Achievers
Male Squash Players: The year 2025 witnessed outstanding performances from India's top male squash players. Abhay Singh, born in Chennai, solidified his dominance with a stellar season. He led India to a historic maiden gold at the SDAT Squash World Cup in Chennai and secured double gold at the Asian Squash Doubles Championship in both men's and mixed doubles. Additionally, he captured his 11th PSA Tour title at the Hyder Trophy in New York, reaching a career-high world ranking.
Saurav Ghosal made a triumphant comeback by winning the Octane Sydney Classic, showcasing resilience despite age and injuries. Velavan Senthilkumar broke into the world's top 40, reclaiming the Senior National title and contributing to team gold at the World Cup. Mahesh Mangaonkar balanced professional play with coaching, representing India at the PSA World Championships and dominating in Scandinavian circuits.
Female Squash Players: Anahat Singh, at just 17, emerged as a powerhouse, winning a historic hat-trick of Senior National titles and anchoring India to its first-ever Squash World Cup gold. She also ended a 15-year drought by winning bronze at the World Junior Championships and earned two prestigious PSA awards. Joshna Chinappa, at 39, enjoyed a resurgence with gold at the Japan Open and critical contributions to team success. Tanvi Khanna made a strong return from injury, clinching titles on the domestic circuit, while Dipika Pallikal Karthik focused on doubles, securing silver at the Asian Doubles Championship and competing at the highest levels internationally.
Comprehensive Coverage and National Impact
The TOISA event not only celebrates individual and team successes but also underscores the growing prominence of Indian sports on the world map. By honoring athletes from various sports, including squash, cricket, hockey, and more, the awards foster a culture of excellence and inspiration for future generations. The detailed recognition of performances from 2025 ensures that every milestone, from international championships to national tournaments, is acknowledged and celebrated.
As the sports community eagerly anticipates the 2026 ceremony in Lucknow, the Times of India Sports Awards continues to be a beacon of recognition for India's athletic talent. With expert jury oversight and a focus on recent achievements, TOISA remains a pivotal platform for highlighting the dedication and hard work of athletes who make the nation proud.
