Lucknow, March 22, 2026: The eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) will be held on March 21, 2026, at The Centrum Hotel, Lucknow, bringing together some of the biggest names and standout performers from across Indian sport.
More than just an awards ceremony, TOISA 2025 captures a defining year for Indian sport—one marked by strong performances across disciplines. From cricket and athletics to shooting, badminton, chess, and para sports, the awards recognise not only headline victories but also the consistency and perseverance that often go unnoticed yet drive medal-winning success.
This year’s edition reflects India’s continued dominance in white-ball cricket, supported by major ICC tournament achievements, alongside impressive international showings in athletics and para sports. Notably, Indian athletes secured podium finishes at key events such as the Asian Athletics Championships and the World Para Athletics Championships.
The nominee list strikes a balance between established icons and emerging talent. Athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Smriti Mandhana, and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa headline the roster, alongside a new generation of performers steadily building momentum in their respective fields.
Awards will be presented across more than 30 categories, including Sportsperson of the Year, Emerging Sportsperson, Team of the Year, and discipline-specific honours—ensuring a comprehensive representation of India’s diverse sporting landscape, beyond a cricket-centric focus.
A notable shift this year is TOISA’s move to open the event to the public for the first time. This step aims to broaden engagement and bring fans closer to an event that has traditionally been limited to industry stakeholders. Passes are available through The Times of India’s official platform.
Over the years, TOISA has evolved into a credible platform that reflects the full spectrum of Indian sport—from Olympic-level achievements to grassroots breakthroughs—without forcing a singular narrative.
At its core, TOISA 2025 remains focused on recognising performance in its truest sense: across sports, across levels, and without bias.
