Candidates for this year’s TOISA 2025 team
The eighth edition of the Times Of India Sports Awards (TOISA) is scheduled to be held on March 21, 2026 in Lucknow, to celebrate the achievements and inspiring stories of India’s outstanding athletes from a wide range of sports.
The TOISA 2025 Awards will honor performances recorded between January 1 and December 31, 2025, highlighting outstanding achievements in world championships and major international competitions. More than 45 award categories will honor both established sporting legends and rising stars who have made the nation proud.The winners will be selected by an esteemed jury of sporting greats, including Abhinav Bindra, BR Sreejesh, Mithali Raj, Devendra Gajaria, Sharath Kamal and Leander Paes, ensuring that the awards reflect credible and expert recognition of excellence in Indian sports.
Team of the yearIndia women’s cricket teamA major achievement in 2025ICC Women’s World Cup ChampionsThe Women in Blue etched their names in history by bagging the first ever ICC World Cup trophy. Characterized by a fearless batting and clinical bowling unit, the team’s unbeaten run has silenced critics and sparked a national revolution in women’s sports, proving that the new era of world cricket belongs to India.Indian men’s cricket teamThe most important achievements in 2025Won the ICC Champions TrophyBecame the champion of the Asia Cup (T20).In a display of absolute mastery with the white ball, the men’s team took home the rare ‘double crown’ in 2025.
By winning the Champions Trophy and reclaiming the Asia Cup, the team showed unparalleled strategic depth, producing winners in every high-pressure situation to cement India’s position as a world cricket superpower.Indian men’s hockey teamThe most important achievements in 2025Asian Cup ChampionsThe Men in Blue reclaimed their throne as the continent’s kings by winning the 2025 AFC Asian Cup in Rajgir. The team dominated the final by defeating South Korea 4-1, ensuring direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh, the team has successfully combined Olympic medal experience with explosive new talent to re-establish Asian supremacy.Indian kabaddi teams for men and womenThe most important achievements in 2025World Cup Champions (two gold)India asserted its absolute global dominance at the Kabaddi World Cup 2025 in Wolverhampton. The men’s team defeated the English team in an exciting match with a score of 44-41, while the women’s team presented a brilliant tactical performance to defeat the hosts 57-34.
The ‘Double Gold’ campaign proved that despite the sport’s global expansion, the heart of kabaddi remains firmly planted in India.India national shooting teamThe most important achievements in 202513 medals in the FIFA World ChampionshipIndian women’s and women’s shooters gave a precise and exemplary performance in Cairo, occupying the top three positions in the world medal list. Led by superstars like Suruchi Singh, who set a new world junior record, and Samrat Rana, the group’s 3 golds and 10 more medals indicate India’s intention to dominate the range before the next Olympics.Indian Blind Women’s Cricket TeamThe most important achievements in 2025The inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup Champions BlindIn a historic moment of inclusivity, India’s blind cricketers became the first-ever T20 World Champions. Their journey was a remarkable example of resilience and common sense, as they swept through the tournament undefeated. This victory transcended the sport’s boundaries, turning athletes into national icons and setting a global standard for para-sports.India national squash teamThe most important achievements in 2025World Cup Squash ChampionsAfter reaching an unprecedented peak in the sport of racket, the Indian team won its first ever Squash World Cup title. Combining the composure of veterans with the speed of youth, the team cruised through the tough draw to lift the trophy in Chennai, marking 2025 as the year India officially becomes a top-tier powerhouse on the glass court.India women’s national ice hockey teamThe most important achievements in 2025Bronze medal in the IIHF Women’s Asia CupDefying the odds and geographical restrictions, the Ice Leopards secured a historic first bronze in the FIFA Asian Cup. Competing against the elite of winter sports nations, their podium finish is a testament to sheer determination and rapid technical development, marking the most important winter sports milestone in Indian history.