Times of India Sports Awards 2026 Set for Lucknow with Grand Celebration of 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 inspiring journeys and remarkable achievements of India's finest athletes across a diverse range of sports disciplines. TOISA 2026 aims to recognize and honor performances delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2025, with a special focus on standout displays at global championships and major international competitions that brought pride to the nation.
Distinguished Jury to Ensure Credible Selection Process
The winners of TOISA 2026 will be meticulously selected by a distinguished jury comprising some of India's most respected sporting icons. This elite 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 and deep understanding of sports excellence will ensure a credible, balanced, and fair evaluation of athletes across all categories, upholding the integrity and prestige of the awards.
Shooting Stars Lead the Nominees with Stellar Performances
The shooting nominees for TOISA 2025 reflect India's remarkable depth and dominance in the sport, with several athletes delivering medal-winning performances on the global stage. Featuring more than 45 award categories, the event will honor both established stars and emerging talents who have made significant contributions to Indian sports through their exceptional achievements.
Male Shooting Contenders Showcase World-Class Talent
Samrat Rana, born on January 8, 2005, in Karnal, Haryana, created history by becoming the first world champion from India in the 10m Air Pistol event at the ISSF World Championships 2025. He clinched gold in both individual and team competitions, along with a silver in the mixed team event, and added a bronze at the Doha World Cup Final.
Ravinder Singh, born on October 17, 1996, in Bishnah, Jammu and Kashmir, achieved his career's biggest success with gold in the 50m pistol at the ISSF World Championships and a team silver, showcasing his composure against strong international competition.
Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, born on February 3, 2001, in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, secured individual silver at both the ISSF World Championships and World Cup Final, along with gold at the Asian Championships, highlighting his consistency in the 50m rifle 3 positions.
Anish Bhanwala, born on September 26, 2002, in Sonipat, Haryana, won individual silver at the ISSF World Championships and World Cup Final, plus two silvers at the Asian Championships, marking a rewarding year in the 25m rapid fire pistol.
Varun Tomar, born on September 8, 2003, in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, earned bronze individually and team gold at the ISSF World Championships, inspired by his Olympian cousin Saurabh Chaudhary in the 10m air pistol.
Rudrankksh Patil, born on December 16, 2003, in Thane, Maharashtra, enjoyed a successful season with individual gold at the ISSF World Cup in Argentina, mixed team silvers in Argentina and Peru, and team gold at the Asian Championships in the 10m air rifle.
Female Shooting Stars Excel with Breakthrough Seasons
Suruchi Inder Singh, born on April 28, 2006, in Jhajjar, Haryana, had a breakthrough year with five gold medals across ISSF World Cup stages, including individual gold at the World Cup Final, team silver at the World Championships, and bronzes at the Asian Championships in the 10m air pistol.
Simranpreet Kaur, born on October 2, 2004, in Faridkot, Punjab, made 2025 memorable by winning gold at the ISSF World Cup Final with a junior world record, along with individual silver at the ISSF World Cup in Peru and team bronze at the Asian Championships in the 25m pistol.
Esha Singh, born on January 1, 2005, in Hyderabad, Telangana, showcased versatility with three medals at the ISSF World Championships, individual gold at the ISSF World Cup in China, and team bronze at the Asian Championships across both 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events.
Elavenil Valarivan, born on August 2, 1999, in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, secured two bronze medals at the ISSF World Championships, individual bronze at a World Cup, and two golds at the Asian Championships in the 10m air rifle, capping a highly successful year.
Sift Kaur Samra, born on September 9, 2001, in Faridkot, Punjab, won her first individual gold at an ISSF World Cup, added another bronze, and clinched two golds at the Asian Championships in the challenging 50m rifle 3 positions event.
Manu Bhaker, born on February 18, 2002, in Goria, Haryana, maintained consistency with team silver at the ISSF World Championships, individual silver at a World Cup, and three bronzes at the Asian Championships across 10m air pistol and 25m pistol disciplines.
TOISA 2026 promises to be a landmark event, celebrating the dedication and triumphs of India's sporting heroes while inspiring future generations to strive for excellence on the global stage.
