Times of India Sports Awards 2026 Set to Illuminate Lucknow with 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 celebrate the inspiring journeys and remarkable achievements of India's finest athletes across a diverse range of disciplines, shining a spotlight on the nation's sporting prowess.
Recognition of 2025 Performances and Distinguished Jury
TOISA 2025 will specifically honor performances delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2025, highlighting standout displays at global championships and major international competitions. With more than 45 award categories, the event aims to acknowledge both established stars and emerging talents who have made the nation proud through their exceptional contributions to sports.
The winners will be selected by a distinguished jury comprising some of India's most respected sporting icons. This panel includes Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra, hockey legend PR Sreejesh, batting great Mithali Raj, Paralympic champion Devendra Jhajharia, table tennis stalwart Sharath Kamal, and tennis legend Leander Paes. Their collective expertise ensures a credible and balanced evaluation of excellence across the spectrum of Indian sport.
Wrestling Player of the Year Nominees Showcase Depth of Talent
The TOISA 2025 Wrestling Player of the Year nominees highlight India's finest male and female wrestlers, celebrating their remarkable achievements throughout 2025. Among the men, Aman Sehrawat impressed with a gold medal at the Yasar Dogu & Vehbi Emre & Hamit Kaplan International and a bronze at the Ulaanbaatar Open, building on his historic Paris 2024 Olympic medal. Sunil Kumar and Nitesh earned continental bronze medals in Greco-Roman wrestling, underscoring India's depth in this traditional style. Rising star Sujeet Kalkal claimed double gold at the U-23 World Wrestling Championships and the Polyak Imre & Varga Janos Memorial, announcing himself as a formidable global contender.
On the women's side, Antim Panghal won bronze at the World Championships and gold at the Ulaanbaatar Open and Senior Nationals, demonstrating impressive versatility across weight classes. Manisha Bhanwala captured Asian gold in the 62 kg category, while Nisha Dahiya claimed U23 World bronze and Senior National gold, highlighting India's growing prowess in women's freestyle wrestling.
Detailed Profiles of Key Wrestling Nominees
Aman Sehrawat, born on July 16, 2003, in Birohar, Haryana, is one of India's most promising freestyle wrestlers. Best known for becoming the youngest Indian to win an individual Olympic medal with bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics, he continued to excel in 2025. His major achievements include gold in the men's 57 kg freestyle at the Yasar Dogu & Vehbi Emre & Hamit Kaplan International in Turkey and bronze at the Ulaanbaatar Open Ranking Series, showcasing both skill and resilience.
Sunil Kumar, born on September 29, 1999, in Dabarpur, Sonipat district, Haryana, is an accomplished Greco-Roman wrestler. In 2025, he won a bronze medal in the men's 87 kg Greco-Roman category at the Asian Wrestling Championships in Amman, Jordan, opening India's medal account at the event and maintaining his competitive edge.
Nitesh, an emerging Greco-Roman wrestler, made a significant impact in 2025 by earning his first major senior medal for India. He secured a bronze in the men's Greco-Roman 97 kg category at the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships in Amman, Jordan, with a dominant performance.
Sujeet Kalkal, born on November 5, 2002, in Imlota, Bhiwani district, Haryana, is a rapidly rising freestyle wrestler. In 2025, he won gold in the men's 65 kg freestyle at the U-23 World Wrestling Championships in Novi Sad, Serbia, and at the Polyak Imre & Varga Janos Memorial, demonstrating tactical maturity and competitive resilience.
Antim Panghal, born on August 31, 2004, in Bhagana, Haryana, is one of India's most promising freestyle wrestlers. Her 2025 achievements include bronze in the women's 53 kg at the World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb, gold at the Ulaanbaatar Open, gold in the women's 55 kg at the Senior National Wrestling Championships, and bronze at the Asian Wrestling Championships, proving her versatility across weight classes.
Manisha Bhanwala, born on February 10, 1997, in Rohtak, Haryana, delivered a breakthrough performance in 2025 by winning gold in the women's 62 kg category at the Asian Wrestling Championships in Amman, Jordan, cementing her status among Asia's elite.
Nisha Dahiya, born on October 18, 1998, in Adiyana, Haryana, continued to build her reputation as a resilient grappler in 2025. She won bronze in the women's freestyle 55 kg at the U23 World Wrestling Championships and gold in the women's 68 kg at the Senior National Wrestling Championships, affirming her leadership in Indian wrestling.
This event not only celebrates individual achievements but also fosters a spirit of national pride and inspiration for future generations of athletes.
