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 vibrant city of Lucknow. This grand event will shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and inspiring journeys of India's elite athletes across a diverse range of sports disciplines. TOISA 2025 will specifically honor performances that occurred from 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, the awards will acknowledge both established sporting icons and emerging talents who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication. The selection process ensures credible recognition of excellence in Indian sport, with winners chosen by a distinguished jury comprising legendary figures such as Abhinav Bindra, PR Sreejesh, Mithali Raj, Devendra Jhajharia, Sharath Kamal, and Leander Paes. This panel of experts brings unparalleled insight and integrity to the evaluation of nominees.
Para Badminton Nominees Showcase Stellar Performances
Among the nominees, para badminton players have delivered outstanding results in 2025, highlighting India's growing prowess in adaptive sports. Here are the key nominees in this category:
Male Para Badminton Nominees
Pramod Bhagat, born on June 4, 1988, in Hajipur, Bihar, made a powerful return to international competition in 2025. His major achievements include a gold medal in Men's Singles SL3 and a silver in Men's Doubles SL3–SU5 with Sukant Kadam at the China Para Badminton International. At the Abia Para Badminton International in Nigeria, Bhagat secured three gold medals in singles, men's doubles with Kadam, and mixed doubles with Arati Patil. He continued his dominance at the Japan Para Badminton International with multiple golds across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, solidifying his status as India's top para shuttler.
Sukant Kadam, whose birth details are not publicly available, achieved notable podium finishes in 2025. He won silver in Men's Singles SL4 and silver in Men's Doubles SL3–SU5 with Pramod Bhagat at the China Para Badminton International. Kadam and Bhagat then clinched gold in men's doubles SL3–SL4 at the Abia Para Badminton International. His strong form persisted at the Japan Para Badminton International, where he earned gold in men's doubles with Bhagat and silver in singles SL4, demonstrating versatility across events.
Krishna Nagar, with undisclosed birth details, was a key performer for India in 2025. He won silver in Men's Singles SH6 at the China Para Badminton International, followed by two gold medals in men's singles SH6 and mixed doubles SH6 at the Japan Para Badminton International. At the Polytron Indonesia Para Badminton International, Nagar secured a bronze in men's singles SH6 and a silver in mixed doubles SH6, consistently contributing to India's medal tally.
Female Para Badminton Nominees
Mandeep Kaur, born on September 18, 1995, with her birthplace not publicly available, won a silver medal in Women's Singles SL3 at the 2025 Asian Para Badminton Championships in Thailand. Her achievement was part of India's record medal haul at the event, where Indian para-shuttlers secured a best-ever tally of 27 medals.
Manasi Joshi, born on June 11, 1989, in Rajkot, Gujarat, added to her medal collection in 2025. She won bronze in Women's Singles SL3 and silver in Women's Doubles SL3-SU5 at the Asian Para Badminton Championships, contributing significantly to India's historic performance with 27 total medals.
Nithya Sre, born on January 7, 2005, in Karur, Tamil Nadu, had a notable season in 2025. At the Asian Para Badminton Championships, she won three silver medals in women's singles SH6, women's doubles SH6, and mixed doubles SH6, further enhancing India's impressive medal count.
A Celebration of Sporting Legends and Future Stars
The TOISA 2026 event promises to be a grand celebration of India's sporting legends, honoring their dedication and achievements. By recognizing both para and able-bodied athletes, the awards underscore the inclusive spirit of Indian sports. The involvement of a jury comprising sporting greats ensures that the recognition is based on merit and excellence, inspiring future generations to pursue athletic dreams.
