With the much-anticipated Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2024 on us today (February 22), the excitement in the Indian sporting fraternity is palpable. Scheduled to take place in Lucknow, also known as the 'City of Nawabs,' TOISA 2024 promises to be a grand celebration of excellence, dedication, and resilience in Indian sports.
The seventh edition of TOISA continues its tradition of recognising top-performing athletes, para-athletes, and coaches across a diverse range of disciplines.
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Recognising India’s sporting icons
Among the highly anticipated categories, TOISA 2024 will crown Cricketer of the Year, Shooter of the Year, Wrestler of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year and Team of the Year, celebrating athletes who have made significant contributions to their respective sports.
Among the Sportsperson of the Year nominees, Neeraj Chopra stands tall after securing a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, further cementing his legacy. Jasprit Bumrah, the pace spearhead, played a key role in India's ICC T20 World Cup triumph, while Gukesh Dommaraju made history with his incredible chess performances on the global stage. Manu Bhaker, a dominant force in shooting, created history at the Paris Olympics with twin medals.
The Emerging Sportsperson of the Year category features rising talents making waves in their respective disciplines. Cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal, shuttler Anmol Kharb and wrestler Aman Sehrawat are three of the nominees. Sehrawat became the youngest Indian to win an Olympic medal in Paris.
The battle for Team of the Year will be fiercely contested, with India’s Men’s Cricket Team making a strong case after their commanding victory at the ICC T20 World Cup. The Men’s Hockey Team also made headlines, securing a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. Additionally, India’s shooters Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh created history by clinching a bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event.
Recognising those who shape champions, the Coach of the Year category includes some of the nation’s finest mentors. Rahul Dravid, India’s cricket head coach, led the team to new heights with their T20 World Cup success. Shooting coach Jaspal Rana played a crucial role in honing the skills of Manu Bhaker, while Deepali Deshpande contributed significantly to nurturing youngster Swapnil Kusale. In badminton, Vimal Kumar has been instrumental in guiding Indian shuttlers to world-class performances, including Lakshya Sen who nearly won a medal in Paris.
Lucknow: The Perfect Host for TOISA 2024
Hosting the event in Lucknow adds an extra layer of grandeur to the occasion. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the city sets the perfect backdrop for honoring India’s sporting legends in a spectacular ceremony that will bring together athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts nationwide.
The Uttar Pradesh Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has been instrumental in promoting sports through infrastructure development and a comprehensive sports policy. The state has successfully hosted national and international events, reflecting its commitment to fostering a robust sports culture.
At TOISA 2024 today, the anticipation continues to build. With India’s sporting landscape evolving at an unprecedented pace, this year’s awards will celebrate past triumphs and inspire future generations to strive for greatness.
