Times of India Sports Awards 2026 Set for Lucknow, Celebrating Indian 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 historic city of Lucknow. This grand event aims to celebrate the remarkable achievements and inspiring journeys of India's top athletes across a diverse range of sports disciplines. TOISA 2026 will specifically honor performances from the period of January 1 to December 31, 2025, recognizing standout moments from global championships and international tournaments that brought glory to the nation.
Comprehensive Recognition Across Over 45 Categories
With more than 45 categories, TOISA 2026 will acknowledge both established sporting icons and emerging talents who have contributed significantly to India's pride on the world stage. The awards ceremony is designed to highlight excellence in Indian sport, ensuring that every achievement is given the spotlight it deserves. The selection process for winners will be overseen by a distinguished jury comprising some of India's most revered sporting legends, including Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, hockey stalwart PR Sreejesh, cricket legend Mithali Raj, Paralympic champion Devendra Jhajharia, table tennis star Sharath Kamal, and tennis icon Leander Paes. This esteemed panel guarantees credible and unbiased recognition of sporting excellence.
Spotlight on Para Archery Nominees for TOISA 2025
Among the numerous athletes being considered for awards, the para archery category features several standout performers whose achievements in 2025 have been nothing short of extraordinary. Here is a detailed look at the nominated para archery players:
Para Archery (Male) Nominees
Harvinder Singh, born on February 25, 1991, in Kaithal, Haryana, has had a stellar year. In 2025, he was conferred the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, for his contributions to para archery and sport. At the Asian Para Archery Championships in Beijing, he clinched the individual recurve men's open gold medal and a mixed team gold with Bhawna, setting a personal best and competition record in the qualifying rounds. Additionally, he and Vivek Chikara secured a silver medal in the recurve men's open doubles event. His performances were instrumental in helping India finish second overall in the medal standings at the championships.
Vivek Chikara, born on January 12, 1990, earned a silver medal alongside Harvinder Singh in the recurve men's open doubles at the 2025 Asian Para Archery Championships. The Indian pair narrowly lost to the Chinese team in a thrilling shoot-off, showcasing their competitive spirit and skill. This achievement contributed to India's strong overall medal tally at the continental event.
Rakesh Kumar, hailing from Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, and born on January 13, 1985, demonstrated exceptional prowess in compound archery. At the Asian Para Archery Championships, he won silver in the compound men's open doubles with Shyam Sunder Swami, losing by just one point to the Chinese team. He also secured a silver in the compound mixed team open event with Jyoti. Earlier in the year, at the Para-Archery Asia Cup in Thailand, he claimed a bronze medal in the men's compound open individual event.
Shyam Sunder Swami, from Bikaner, Rajasthan, partnered with Rakesh Kumar to win the silver medal in the compound men's open doubles at the Asian Para Archery Championships. The Indian duo put up a fierce fight in a tightly contested final, finishing just behind the Chinese team and highlighting their technical proficiency.
Para Archery (Female) Nominees
Sheetal Devi, born on January 10, 2007, in Loidhar, Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir, emerged as a world champion in 2025. She won the women's compound open gold medal at the World Archery Para Championships in Gwangju, South Korea, defeating Turkey's Oznur Cure Girdi in the final. She also earned a silver medal in the women's compound open team event and a bronze in the mixed team event at the same championships. Earlier, she successfully defended her title in the women's compound open category at the Khelo India Para Games 2025, solidifying her status as a leading para-archer for India.
Payal Nag, from Jamunabahal, Balangir district, Odisha, showcased her talent by winning the silver medal in the women's compound open event at the Khelo India Para Games 2025. She also secured two gold medals at the 6th National Para Archery Championship in January 2025, establishing herself as a standout performer at the national level. In December 2025, she made her international debut at the Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai, finishing fourth in the compound women's ranking round, marking a promising step in her career.
Jyoti Baliyan, born on April 15, 1994, in Goela village, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, added to her long career in para archery by winning the bronze medal in the women's compound open event at the Khelo India Para Games 2025. Her podium finish underscores her role as a key competitor in India's para-archery landscape, contributing to the sport's growth and recognition.
A Celebration of Sporting Legends
The Times of India Sports Awards 2026 promises to be a grand celebration of India's sporting legends, bringing together athletes, fans, and stakeholders to honor the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement. With its focus on credible recognition and comprehensive coverage of various sports, TOISA continues to be a cornerstone event in the Indian sporting calendar, inspiring future generations to strive for excellence.
