Times of India Sports Awards 2025 Celebrates India's Sporting Icons in Grand Lucknow Ceremony
The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025 unfolded in a prestigious ceremony in Lucknow on Saturday, where leading athletes from diverse disciplines were honored with the distinguished 'Special Recognition for Athletes of the Decade' award. This significant event acknowledged sustained excellence and remarkable contributions to Indian sports over the past ten years.
Comprehensive Recognition Across Sporting Categories
The ceremony meticulously recognized athletes across more than 45 sporting categories, evaluating performances delivered during the specific period from January 1 to December 31, 2025. This segment was dedicated to highlighting athletes who have consistently represented India at the highest international levels and delivered outstanding results across global competitions throughout the decade.
Illustrious Honorees from Olympic and Paralympic Sports
Among the distinguished athletes conferred with this honor were PV Sindhu (badminton), Dipa Karmakar (gymnastics), Sumit Antil (para-athletics), PR Sreejesh (hockey), and Suhas Yathiraj (para-badminton), each of whom has played a pivotal role in India's performances on the international stage over the years.
The extensive list of honorees also included celebrated names such as Sakshi Malik (wrestling), Avani Lekhara (para-shooting), Saina Nehwal (badminton), Deepa Malik (para-athletics), Rani Rampal (hockey), Sharath Kamal (table tennis), and Ravi Dahiya (wrestling). This recognition comprehensively reflected contributions across both Olympic and Paralympic sports, encompassing disciplines like badminton, wrestling, gymnastics, shooting, hockey, and various para-sports.
Esteemed Jury Panel of Sporting Legends
The winners were meticulously selected by an illustrious jury comprising legendary athletes whose own achievements have profoundly shaped Indian sport. The panel for this edition featured iconic figures including Abhinav Bindra (shooting), PR Sreejesh (hockey), Mithali Raj (cricket), Achanta Sharath Kamal (table tennis), Leander Paes (tennis), and Devendra Jhajharia (para-athletics).
Their collective wealth of experience and deep understanding of sporting excellence ensured that the honors accurately reflected performances across all levels, recognizing the diverse contributions that have collectively shaped India's sporting journey over the past decade. The ceremony not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the growing legacy and global impact of Indian athletes in the international sporting arena.
