Times of India Sports Awards 2026 Set to Celebrate India's Sporting Excellence in Lucknow
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 India's top athletes for their remarkable achievements and inspiring journeys across a diverse range of sports disciplines. TOISA 2026 will specifically recognize performances recorded between January 1 and December 31, 2025, highlighting standout results from major international competitions and global championships.
Comprehensive Recognition Across Over 45 Categories
With more than 45 categories, the awards are designed to celebrate both celebrated veterans and emerging talents who have brought immense pride to the nation. The winners will be determined by an eminent jury comprising sporting legends, ensuring a fair and expert assessment of excellence in Indian sport. The jury includes iconic figures such as Abhinav Bindra, PR Sreejesh, Mithali Raj, Devendra Jhajharia, Sharath Kamal, and Leander Paes.
Spotlight on Table Tennis Achievements in 2025
The year 2025 witnessed significant milestones in Indian table tennis, with several players making headlines for their exceptional performances.
Male Table Tennis Stars
- Sharath Kamal Achanta: The legendary "face of Indian table tennis" concluded his illustrious 22-year career in 2025. He played his final professional tournament at the WTT Star Contender Chennai in March and secured a dominant 3-0 victory at the Asian Cup in Shenzhen before retiring. At 42, he left a legacy of 10 National titles and 13 Commonwealth Games medals.
- Sathiyan Gnanasekaran: Enjoying a powerful resurgence, Sathiyan reclaimed his status as a major title-winner. He won gold at the WTT Feeder Vientiane and WTT Contender Lagos, and reached the quarter-finals at the World Table Tennis Championships in Durban, marking a historic achievement for Indian male players.
- Manav Thakkar: Emerging as the new leader of Indian table tennis, Manav became the first Indian male to reach a WTT Star Contender semi-final in Chennai and achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 35, solidifying his world-class status.
- Harmeet Desai: As a resilient team pillar, Harmeet secured a crucial victory at the Asian Cup and helped India qualify for the 2026 World Team Championships, maintaining a consistent top-80 world ranking.
- Payas Jain: In a breakthrough year, Payas transitioned from youth prodigy to senior force, winning the Men’s Singles Gold at the National Ranking Championships and proving his versatility on the WTT circuit.
Female Table Tennis Stars
- Manika Batra: India's spearhead continued her high-level consistency, reaching a career-high world ranking and making history as the first Indian to reach the quarter-finals of a WTT Champions event.
- Sreeja Akula: Maintaining her position as one of Asia's most dangerous players, Sreeja recorded a clinical victory at the Asian Cup and reached the knockout stages of the ITTF World Cup, despite a mid-season injury.
- Diya Chitale: In a landmark year, Diya emerged as the new National Champion and, with partner Manush Shah, became the first Indian to qualify for the season-ending WTT Finals in Hong Kong, achieving a career-high mixed doubles ranking of No. 5.
- Ayhika Mukherjee: The "anti-spin" specialist remained vital for the national team, helping secure a bronze at the Asian Championships and qualifying for main draws in mixed doubles events.
TOISA 2026 promises to be a monumental celebration of Indian sports, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of athletes who have excelled on the global stage. The event will not only honor past achievements but also inspire future generations to pursue excellence in sports.
