TOISA 2025: Samrat Rana, Sumit Antil, Sheetal Devi named Sportspersons of the Year

Another star-studded edition of the Times of India Sports Awards comes to a close amid celebrations all around.

Sujeet Kalkal

Major Achievements in 2025

Gold: Men’s Freestyle 65 kg - U-23 World Wrestling Championships
Gold: Men’s Freestyle 65 kg - Polyak Imre & Varga Janos Memorial

Sujeet Kalkal is a rapidly rising Indian freestyle wrestler competing in the 65 kg weight category, known for his sharp technique and aggressive style on the mat. In 2025, Kalkal made a major breakthrough on the global stage, announcing himself as a world-class contender with multiple gold medal performances.

His standout achievement came at the U-23 World Wrestling Championships 2025 in Novi Sad, Serbia, where he won the gold medal in the men’s 65 kg freestyle competition. Kalkal dominated the final with a commanding 10-0 win by technical superiority, becoming one of only a few Indian wrestlers to claim a world title in his age group.

He also struck gold at the Polyak Imre & Varga Janos Memorial 2025 — part of the United World Wrestling Ranking Series — where he defeated a seasoned European medallist in the final, showcasing his tactical maturity and competitive resilience.

Antim Panghal


Major Achievements in 2025:

Bronze: Women’s 53 kg - World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb
Gold: Women’s 53 kg - Ulaanbaatar Open
Gold: Women’s 55 kg - Senior National Wrestling Championships
Bronze: Women’s 55 kg - Asian Wrestling Championships 2025, Amman (women’s 53 kg)

Antim Panghal is one of India’s most promising freestyle wrestlers, consistently delivering strong performances on both the continental and global stage. In 2025, her campaign reaffirmed her place among the elite in women’s wrestling. At the 2025 World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb, she won the bronze medal in the women’s 53 kg category, defeating Sweden’s Emma Malmgren 9-1 to earn India’s only freestyle medal at the tournament and becoming only the second Indian woman wrestler to win multiple World Championship medals in history.

Antim claimed gold at the Ulaanbaatar Open 2025 in Mongolia with a dominant 10-0 victory in the final, showcasing her technical superiority.

Domestically, she moved up to 55 kg to win gold at the Senior National Wrestling Championships, proving her versatility across weight classes. She also secured a bronze medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2025, contributing to India’s medal tally.

Rishikanta Singh

Major Achievements in 2025:

Gold – Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships (60kg)
Silver – IWLF National Weightlifting Championships (60kg)

Rishikanta Singh Chanambam is a rising star in Indian weightlifting, known for his strength, technique, and competitive consistency in the men’s 60 kg category. In 2025, he delivered multiple standout performances across national and international competitions.

The highlight of his year came at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 in Ahmedabad, where Rishikanta won gold in the men’s 60 kg class with a total lift of 271 kg — a result that also earned him qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. His Commonwealth success underscored his ability to perform under pressure and marked his arrival among Asia’s emerging lifters.

At the IWLF National Weightlifting Championships 2025-26, he claimed silver in the senior 60 kg category with a 266 kg total, showcasing his consistency against India’s best. Rishikanta also represented India at the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships, finishing 11th among the world’s elite competitors.

Mirabai Chanu

Major Achievements in 2025

Gold: Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships (Women’s 48 kg)
Silver: World Weightlifting Championships (Women’s 48 kg)

Mirabai Chanu is India’s most celebrated weightlifter and an Olympic silver medallist, renowned for her technical excellence and competitive grit. In 2025, Chanu staged a remarkable comeback after injury setbacks and a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She returned to the international stage at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 in Ahmedabad, where she clinched gold in the women’s 48 kg category with a total of 193 kg — dominating the competition and setting multiple Commonwealth Championship records in snatch and clean & jerk.

Chanu continued her strong form at the World Weightlifting Championships 2025 in Førde, Norway, earning a silver medal with a total lift of 199 kg in the 48 kg division. This podium finish marked her first World Championships medal in three years and reinforced her status as one of the world’s top weightlifters.

Equestrian: Ashish Limaye

Hockey (Male): Amit Rohidas

Hockey (Female): Navneet Kaur

Shooting (Male): Samrat Rana

Shooting (Female): Suruchi Inder Singh

Sumit Antil (Para Javelin)

Major Achievements in 2025:

World Para Athletics Championships (New Delhi): Gold - third consecutive world title (71.37m CR)

In 2025, Sumit Antil once again underlined his supremacy in para athletics with a historic performance at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi. The reigning Paralympic champion clinched his third consecutive world title in September, producing a gold-medal throw of 71.37m that set a new Championship Record, surpassing his own previous mark. With that triumph, Antil became the most successful Indian athlete in the history of the World Para Athletics Championships, further cementing his legacy.

The 2025 gold extended an extraordinary unbeaten streak in major global competitions. Antil has now remained undefeated across five successive marquee events — the Paralympics in Tokyo and Paris, along with three straight World Championships from 2023 to 2025.

Sheetal Devi (Para Archery)

Major Achievements in 2025:

Para World Archery Championships: Gold (Mixed Team), Silver (Women's Individual Compound Open)
Khelo India Para Games: Gold (Compound Open category)

In 2025, Sheetal Devi continued her remarkable rise on the global stage with a series of standout performances. At the World Archery Championships, she secured a gold medal in the Mixed Team event and added a silver in the Women’s Individual Compound Open, reinforcing her status among the world’s elite. Earlier in the year, she successfully navigated a significant rule change introduced by World Archery that altered the release mechanism for foot-archers, adapting swiftly to the technical overhaul while maintaining her podium streak. On the domestic front, she clinched gold in the Compound Open category at the Khelo India Para Games, where she also set a new national record with the highest ranking round score. Capping off a stellar season, Sheetal finished 2025 ranked World No. 1 in the Women’s Compound Open category.

Major Achievements in 2025:

ISSF World Championships: Gold (Individual), Gold (Team) & Silver (Mixed Team)
ISSF World Cup Final: Bronze (Individual)

Young Samrat Rana created history last year by becoming the first world champion from India in his event, the 10m Air Pistol, marking a defining breakthrough in his career. The former junior world champion delivered a sensational performance at the ISSF World Championships 2025, where he emerged as one of the biggest stars of the tournament with a haul of three medals. Rana clinched the gold medal in the individual event and followed it up with another gold in the team competition. He also secured a silver medal in the mixed team event alongside Esha Singh.

With this outstanding performance, Rana became only the third Indian shooting world champion, joining the elite list that includes Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and world champion Rudrankksh Patil. The 21-year-old continued to shine later in the season, adding a bronze medal at the Doha World Cup Final, ensuring that the year would go down as one of the most memorable and significant phases of his rapidly progressing shooting journey.

Lakshya Sen

Major Achievements in 2025:

Australian Open: Gold
Hong Kong Open Super 500: Silver

In 2025, Lakshya Sen showed that he remains one of India’s top badminton players. He won the Australian Open Super 500 men’s singles title in Sydney, becoming only the second Indian male player to win the tournament. The victory ended his wait for a title and was his first World Tour win of the season. He also finished runner-up at the Hong Kong Open and reached several semifinals, showing steady form throughout the year. His semifinal run at the Paris Olympics in 2024 proved that he can compete with the best players in the world.

Tressa Jolly

Major Achievements in 2025:

Syed Modi International Super 300: Gold
Turkey International Challenge: Gold

Treesa Jolly is an Indian badminton player who plays women’s doubles with her partner Gayatri Gopichand. In 2025, she won the Syed Modi International Super 300 title and reached several other finals in international tournaments. Treesa also won the mixed doubles title at the Türkiye International Challenge with Hariharan Amsakarunan. She and Gayatri were part of the Indian team that won the historic gold at the Badminton Asia Team Championships. They reached a career-best world ranking of No. 9, making them one of India’s top women’s doubles pairs. Treesa is known for her speed, teamwork, and skill on court.

Kuldeep Yadav - Cricket, Somjeet Singh - Captain – Indian Wheelchair Cricket Team, Lalit Upadhyay - Hockey, Deepti Sharma - Cricket, Suhas Yathiraj - Para Badminton, Rupal Chaudhary - Athletics, Rajkumar Pal - Hockey, Praveen Kumar - Para-Athletics

PV Sindhu, Dipa Karmakar, Sumit Antil, PR Sreejesh, Suhas LY, Sakshi Malik

Avani Lekhara, Saina Nehwal, Deepa Malik, Rani Rampal, Sharath Kamal, Ravi Dahiya

“UP is working to groom athletes for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Olympics… We have provided jobs to 500 sportspersons in government departments such as police, sports, education and others.”

“To prioritise an open gym in every village in Uttar Pradesh has now become a focus… In Gorakhpur, work on an international stadium is in progress.”

“TOI has given a platform to encourage the current generation for sports.”

“UP is working to groom athletes for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Olympics.”

“In the last decade, a new sports culture has developed under PM Modi’s leadership… We have made it mandatory to have a sports ground and gym in every gram panchayat,” said Yogi Adityanath

A key part of UP govt's vision is expanding cricket infrastructure. Uttar Pradesh already boasts two prominent international venues — Green Park Stadium and BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium — both of which have hosted top-tier matches, including IPL and World Cup fixtures. A third international stadium in Varanasi is nearing completion and could soon host high-profile matches, while the government has also approved a fourth international venue in Gorakhpur, with work already underway.

“Your presence is a motivation to everyone in Uttar Pradesh… it encourages a person to pursue sports… I am grateful to be a part of TOISA for the third time,” said Yogi Adityanath at TOISA 2025.

TOISA chief guest Yogi Adityanath thanks The Times of India for hosting the prestigious awards in the state capital, Lucknow.

"It’s my privilege to be part of TOISA for three consecutive years” -

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was named ‘Federation of the Year’ at the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025.

BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla received the award on behalf of the board.

The ceremony in Lucknow honoured athletes, teams and organisations across more than 45 sporting categories, recognising performances during the evaluation period from January 1 to December 31, 2025.

One of the finest goalkeepers in modern hockey, PR Sreejesh played a key role in India’s resurgence on the global stage. He was instrumental in India winning Olympic bronze medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics. A gold medallist at the Asian Games and silver medallist at the Commonwealth Games, Sreejesh has also been named FIH Goalkeeper of the Year three times. His achievements have been recognised with the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, and Arjuna Award.

A trailblazer in women’s cricket, Mithali Raj is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket with 10,868 runs. She amassed 7,805 runs in ODIs, the most by any woman, and led India to two ICC Women's Cricket World Cup finals in 2005 and 2017. Mithali also became the first Indian to score 2,000 runs in T20Is and holds the record for the most ODI appearances. Her remarkable 20-year career earned her the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, and recognition as Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in 2017.

Inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup Champions

In a landmark moment for inclusivity, India’s blind cricketers became the first-ever T20 World Champions. Their journey was a masterclass in resilience and sensory precision, sweeping through the tournament undefeated. This victory transcended the sport, transforming the athletes into national icons and setting a global benchmark for disability sports.

ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Champions

The "Women in Blue" etched their names in history by capturing their maiden ICC World Cup trophy. Defined by fearless batting and a clinical bowling unit, the team’s unbeaten run silenced critics and sparked a nationwide revolution in women’s sports, proving that the new era of global cricket belongs to India.

Leander Paes is one of India’s most decorated tennis players, with 18 Grand Slam titles across men’s and mixed doubles. He won a historic bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, ending India’s 44-year wait for an individual Olympic medal. Paes also holds the record for the most doubles victories in Davis Cup history and was part of the legendary Indian Express pairing with Mahesh Bhupathi. Honoured with the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Arjuna Award, and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Paes remains a towering figure in Indian sport.

TOISA 2025's chief guest Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath is being felicitated by PT Usha, Leander Paes, Bhaichung Bhutia and Devendra Jhajharia

Abhinav Bindra — Shooting

India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, Abhinav Bindra remains one of the country’s most celebrated athletes. He created history at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by winning gold in the 10m air rifle event. He earlier became the first Indian shooter to claim a world title at the 2006 ISSF World Shooting Championships. A multiple medallist at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, Bindra has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, and Arjuna Award.

PR Sreejesh — Hockey

One of the finest goalkeepers in modern hockey, PR Sreejesh played a key role in India’s resurgence on the global stage. He was instrumental in India winning Olympic bronze medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics. A gold medallist at the Asian Games and silver medallist at the Commonwealth Games, Sreejesh has also been named FIH Goalkeeper of the Year three times. His achievements have been recognised with the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, and Arjuna Award.

Mithali Raj — Cricket

A trailblazer in women’s cricket, Mithali Raj is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket with 10,868 runs. She amassed 7,805 runs in ODIs, the most by any woman, and led India to two ICC Women's Cricket World Cup finals in 2005 and 2017. Mithali also became the first Indian to score 2,000 runs in T20Is and holds the record for the most ODI appearances. Her remarkable 20-year career earned her the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, and recognition as Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in 2017.

Devendra Jhajharia — Para Athletics

Devendra Jhajharia is among India’s greatest para-athletes and the only Indian to win two Paralympic gold medals in javelin throw, at the 2004 Athens Paralympics and 2016 Rio Paralympics. He also secured a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, completing a rare hat-trick of medals. Jhajharia broke the world record twice in the F46 category and became the first para-athlete to receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna. His honours also include the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Arjuna Award.

Sharath Kamal — Table Tennis

Sharath Kamal is widely regarded as India’s greatest table tennis player. He became the first Indian to win a Commonwealth Games singles gold in 2006 and has since amassed a record 13 Commonwealth Games medals. A 10-time national champion, he has also won medals at the Asian Games and Asian Championships, and became the first Indian to win an ITTF Pro Tour title. Sharath represented India at five Olympic Games from Athens 2004 to Paris 2024 and served as Co-Chair of the ITTF Athletes’ Commission. His achievements earned him the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, and Arjuna Award.

Leander Paes — Tennis

Leander Paes is one of India’s most decorated tennis players, with 18 Grand Slam titles across men’s and mixed doubles. He won a historic bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, ending India’s 44-year wait for an individual Olympic medal. Paes also holds the record for the most doubles victories in Davis Cup history and was part of the legendary Indian Express pairing with Mahesh Bhupathi. Honoured with the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Arjuna Award, and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Paes remains a towering figure in Indian sport.

TOISA 2025 is being hosted by Bollywood couple Angad Bedi and Neha Dhupia in Lucknow,

The eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) is underway in Lucknow, bringing together India’s finest athletes to celebrate a remarkable year in sport.

The TOISA 2025 starts with the national anthem

The eighth edition of The Times of India Sports Awards will take place in Lucknow on March 21, 2026, bringing together some of India’s biggest sporting icons to celebrate excellence across disciplines. The prestigious awards honour the outstanding achievements, perseverance and dedication of Indian athletes who made the nation proud during the 2025 sporting season.

In this edition, the awards will recognise achievements across 49 categories — 36 sports and 13 para sports — with more than 190 nominations covering both individual and team performances. The winners will be selected by an illustrious jury comprising legendary athletes whose achievements have shaped Indian sport. Their experience, credibility and deep understanding of competition ensure that the honours truly reflect excellence on the global stage.

The biggest names in Indian sport will once again gather under one roof as the much-anticipated Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) returns to Lucknow for the third consecutive time on Saturday, celebrating the inspiring journeys and achievements of the country’s finest athletes across multiple disciplines.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will grace the occasion as a guest and hand over the trophies honouring achievers and emerging stars who made the nation proud over the past year.

The event will be attended by sporting legends like PT Usha, Leander Paes, Mithali Raj, Madan Lal, Sandeep Patil and Sardar Singh, and other top athletes, coaches, administrators and guests from across the country, making it one of the most prestigious sporting evenings of the year.