TOISA Makes a Grand Return to Lucknow for Its Third Edition
The third time, as the saying goes, is indeed the charm. The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) made a triumphant return to Lucknow for its third edition, orchestrating an evening that masterfully fused sporting excellence with high-octane glamour. The event rolled out the red carpet for the true royalty of sweat, sacrifice, and unyielding spirit, celebrating the best of Indian athletics.
A Star-Studded Gathering of Sporting Icons
From Olympians and world champions to para-athletes and emerging stars, the ceremony brought together the entire spectrum of Indian sport under one magnificent roof. The venue sparkled with style as sport's biggest names arrived dressed to impress, with sharp suits, elegant sarees, and statement silhouettes dominating the red carpet. This offered a rare glimpse of athletes stepping away from competition arenas and into the spotlight of national recognition, with camera flashes following legends and first-time winners alike.
Engaging Hosts and Lively Interactions
Adding charm and boundless energy to the evening were hosts Neha Dhupia and her husband Angad Bedi. Their effortless stage presence and sharp banter kept the ceremony moving at a lively pace, ensuring an engaging experience for all attendees. One of the most captivating segments occurred when Neha Dhupia invited members of the Indian women's cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, to centre stage. This briefly shifted the tone from formal recognition to candid conversation and humour.
Using familiar on-field terms like LBW, umpire, bouncer, and hit wicket, the host encouraged players—including Deepti Sharma, Harleen Deol, Shafali Verma, and Harmanpreet—to describe one another off the field. The conversation delved into social media habits and shopping confessions while travelling, providing the audience with a rare insight into the team's off-field dynamics. The segment concluded on a high note when the players broke into a spontaneous dance, earning one of the loudest ovations of the night.
Thoughtful Exchanges and Inspirational Moments
At TOISA, host Neha Dhupia struck a thoughtful chord by asking actress Taapsee Pannu, the TOISA Ambassador of the year, about portraying athletes on screen. She inquired whether acting the role or training to become an athlete for it was more challenging. Taapsee was clear in her response, stating that coming even remotely close to an athlete's life was the toughest challenge. She shared that many films in her career were driven by her desire to learn different sports, calling herself a "wannabe athlete" who has admired sportspersons all her life.
The exchange turned playful when Neha asked if there was a sports biopic Taapsee still wanted to do. Without hesitation, Taapsee named Sania Mirza, admitting that not knowing tennis at all would make it an even bigger challenge—and therefore more exciting. She described Sania's journey as deeply inspiring and expressed her eagerness to portray it if given the opportunity.
Emotional Highlights and Inclusive Recognition
As the night progressed, the awards themselves, handed out between rounds of applause and standing ovations, became punctuation marks in a larger narrative of celebration. The loudest applause of the evening was reserved for para chess winner Vaibhav Gautam, whose moment on stage became one of TOISA's most emotional highlights. As he was rolled on a wheelchair up to receive his award, the entire hall rose to its feet in a spontaneous standing ovation.
The honour was presented by a distinguished group that included Madan Lal, former Indian cricketer, national team coach, and member of the iconic 1983 World Cup–winning squad, along with M M Somaya, former Indian field hockey player, and Deepa Malik, silver medalist at the 2016 Paralympics and former President of the Paralympic Committee of India. The honours spanned achievements across 45 categories, with a strong emphasis on para-sports, reflecting the evolving and inclusive landscape of Indian athletics.
Audience Reactions and Lasting Impressions
Archana Singh, aged 23, described her first-ever award ceremony experience at TOISA as "surreal and unforgettable." Seeing celebrated athletes up close, she said, made the evening feel larger than life. "I've watched such events only on screens, but being there amid the lights, applause, and celebrations was completely different. The interaction with the women cricketers felt especially inspiring," she remarked.
For Ritika Sharma, a 21-year-old student at the University of Lucknow, the event struck a perfect balance between sport and entertainment. "What I loved most was how interactive the evening was. It didn't feel stiff or formal," she said, recalling the lively moments between the hosts and athletes. Ritika also took pride in seeing Lucknow host TOISA once again, highlighting the city's growing prominence as a venue for major events.
Ultimately, the evening was not just about who won the awards. It was about who showed up, how the evening felt, and how sport, style, and stature came together to create a mood that lingered long after the lights dimmed. The third edition of TOISA in Lucknow successfully celebrated the spirit of Indian athletics while offering a glamorous and memorable experience for all involved.
