The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2024 are set to take place in Lucknow on Feb 22, 2025. The city of nawabs will witness some of India’s top sports champions grace the occasion. The winners will be picked by an illustrious jury comprising icons of their respective sports.
Honouring the indomitable spirit of the nation’s outstanding athletes, the seventh edition of TOISA will award achievements in 48 categories — 36 sports and 12 para sports. The 175 nominations include individual as well as team awards. The TOISA jury met in Delhi on Feb 10 and reviewed the list of nominees and selected the winner for each category. Below is a brief introduction to the TOISA 2024 jury members:
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ANJU BOBBY GEORGE
Born in Kerala, Anju made her mark as a long jumper, thrilling the nation with her defining achievement at the 2003 World Championships. She made history as the first Indian athlete to win a World Championship medal, earning a bronze. Anju’s illustrious long jump career also includes a gold medal at the 2002 Asian Games. A Padma Shri and Khel Ratna awardee whose national record in women’s long jump remains intact, Anju is also the senior vice-president of the Athletics Federation of India.
YOGESHWAR DUTT
A revered figure in Indian wrestling, is known for his unwavering commitment to the sport. His accolades include securing a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Hailing from Bhainswal Kalan in Haryana, Dutt’s journey to success is a testament to his resilience. Dutt’s remarkable career includes gold medals in both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, which underline his position as one of India’s most celebrated wrestlers.
DILIP TIRKEY
Hailing from Odisha, Dilip Tirkey is a stalwart in Indian hockey. He was the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, leading with distinction and earning over 400 international caps. A three-time Olympian, he also played a key role in India’s gold medal win at the 1998 Asian Games and the 2003 Afro-Asian Games. Honoured with the Padma Shri, Arjuna Award and Ekalavya Award, he cemented his legacy as one of India’s greatest defenders.
DEVENDRA JHAJHARIA
Jhajharia, from Rajasthan, rose to prominence as a javelin thrower, redefining para-athletics in India with his record-breaking achievements. He is the first Indian to win two Paralympic gold medals, while also securing a silver at Tokyo 2020. A recipient of the Padma Shri, Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award, Jhajharia remains a trailblazer in Indian sports. He continues to inspire generations with his grit and tenacity.
VIJENDER SINGH
Vijender Singh is an acclaimed Indian boxer and Olympic medalist, known for transforming Indian boxing on the global stage. He won a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, marking India’s first Olympic boxing medal. With multiple international titles and a successful professional career, Vijender remains a trailblazer in Indian sports. His achievements have inspired a generation of young boxers, making him a celebrated figure in Indian sports.
