Leander Paes

As the campaign sharpens, the familiar charge of “bohiragoto” has returned to the centre of the political stage, with the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) reviving a narrative that helped it decisively blunt the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) five years ago. The immediate trigger this time, as seen in the reaction to leander paes joining the BJP, shows how quickly the labels are deployed as "outsider, parachuted, not one of us".

The Dr Vece Paes Cup's third edition saw sporting legends like leander paes and Kapil Dev grace the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club. The event celebrated Kolkata's sporting spirit, honoring Dr Vece Paes and highlighting the nation's growing sports culture. Paes shared personal reflections, while Dev emphasized the importance of moving forward after a sporting career.

Tennis legend leander paes has switched from Trinamool Congress to BJP ahead of the Bengal assembly polls. The saffron party sees his move as a way to connect with urban, young, and non-Hindu voters. Paes expressed his desire to serve the youth and countrymen, thanking PM Modi for the opportunity. His entry is expected to boost BJP's image and campaign.

Cricket legend Kapil Dev, at the Dr Vece Paes Cup, praised Kolkata's spirit and the Paes family's contributions. He emphasized team spirit for the current Indian team and reflected on his career, stating life is about moving on and appreciating cricket's gifts while embracing new endeavors.

The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) celebrated India's top athletes in Lucknow, honouring excellence and dedication. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented awards to sporting legends like leander paes and the women's World Cup-winning cricket team, recognizing their significant contributions to Indian sports.

At the Times of India Sports Awards 2025, leander paes was named Mentor of the Year for guiding young athletes. The 18-time Grand Slam champion was honoured for shaping future stars through coaching and mentorship, instilling resilience and big-match temperament, and playing a key role in India’s evolving sporting success.

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

This segment acknowledged sustained excellence over the past decade, highlighting athletes who have consistently represented India at the highest level and delivered results across global competitions.

The ceremony in Lucknow recognised athletes across more than 45 sporting categories, honouring performances delivered during the evaluation period from January 1 to December 31, 2025.

"We won 29 medals at the Paris Paralympics, and I believe we can reach close to 50 medals at the LA 2028 Paralympics," Jhajharia said.

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

At the Times of India Sports Awards 2025, Kuldeep Yadav and Harmanpreet Kaur won Cricketer of the Year. Spinner Kuldeep impressed with match-winning spin performances, while batter Harmanpreet led with aggressive captaincy and consistency. The awards reflected Indian cricket’s strong 2025, with both teams achieving success and rising global dominance.

At the Times of India Sports Awards 2025, Divya Deshmukh won Emerging Sportsperson of the Year. The 20-year-old shone globally, winning the Women’s Chess World Cup, becoming India’s 88th Grandmaster and fourth female GM, and qualifying for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, marking her rise as a future world title contender.

At the Times of India Sports Awards 2025 in Lucknow, Sumit Antil and Sheetal Devi were named Para Sportspersons of the Year. Antil dominated with a third world title and record throw, while Devi rose to World No. 1, highlighting India’s global para-sports success in 2025.

Smriti Mandhana and Samrat Rana were crowned Sportspersons of the Year at the TOISA awards for their stellar 2025 performances. Mandhana led India to their maiden Women's Cricket World Cup title, while pistol shooter Rana became India's first 10m air pistol world champion, clinching two golds. The event celebrated a landmark year for Indian sports.

At the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025 in Lucknow, Prasad Sanyal highlighted the event’s growth into a national movement celebrating athletes’ journeys. Emphasising the theme “More Sweat More Glory,” he praised dedication behind success and lauded para-athletes’ resilience. He also acknowledged Uttar Pradesh’s rising sports culture and an eminent jury.

India's sporting elite converges in Lucknow for the Times of India Sports Awards, honouring a decade of excellence and the past year's achievements. The prestigious event, attended by legends and led by a distinguished jury, celebrates athletes across over 45 categories, including a significant focus on para-sports, recognizing outstanding performances and emerging talents who have made the nation proud.

The ceremony in Lucknow recognised athletes across more than 45 sporting categories, honouring performances during the evaluation period from January 1 to December 31, 2025.

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

The Times of India Sports Awards 2025 showcased a grand celebration of Indian sporting excellence, bringing together top athletes, legends, and officials under one roof. The event highlighted outstanding achievements across disciplines, honouring dedication, performance, and resilience. With inspiring moments and recognition of emerging and established stars alike, it reflected India’s growing stature in global sports and its deep talent pool.

Shooter Samrat Rana and cricketer Smriti Mandhana were crowned Sportspersons of the Year at the TOISA 2025 awards in Lucknow. Javelin thrower Sumit Antil and archer Sheetal Devi also received top honours in the para category. The ceremony celebrated India's sporting achievements across numerous disciplines, recognising outstanding performances throughout 2025.

Lucknow gears up for the Times of India Sports Awards on March 21, 2026, celebrating India's sporting triumphs of 2025. The event will honour athletes across numerous categories, including para sports, recognizing achievements from major international tournaments. A distinguished jury will select winners, highlighting both established stars and emerging talents who made the nation proud.