Lucknow, India - The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2024 was held on February 22, 2024, celebrating the exceptional achievements of athletes and mentors across India’s diverse sports disciplines. The event took place at The Centrum, Lucknow, and featured a star-studded audience, underscoring the growing importance of sports recognition in the country.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath graced the ceremony, applauding the efforts made by athletes who strive for excellence on national and international stages. "TOISA has evolved to become India’s most prestigious sports recognition platform, reflecting our nation’s growing sporting excellence," stated Puneet Gupt, COO of Times Internet. His comments highlight the event's aspirations to honor not just achievements but to inspire the future generation of athletes.
This year, the spotlight was on notable winners, particularly the legendary cricketer Kapil Dev, who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his immense contribution to Indian cricket. His legacy continues to inspire younger athletes, and the recognition reflects his pivotal role in shaping the sport. Both Gukesh D, the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, and ace shooter Manu Bhaker received the prestigious title of Sportsperson of the Year for their remarkable accomplishments over the past year.
Manu Bhaker's recent success also included two medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing her talent and hard work. "Medals are won in the stadium but earned with days of hard work in practice sessions," remarked Abhinav Bindra, the Mentor of the Year. His words encapsulate the dedication behind athletic achievement and the importance of mentorship.
Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj, recognized as the Change Agent of Sports for his work with para-athletes, emphasized the growing inclusivity within India's sports ecosystem. His efforts reflect the changing dynamics of the sporting culture, where barriers are breaking down, allowing for greater participation across all demographics.
Suniel Shetty was named TOISA Ambassador of the Year, reflecting his engagement and advocacy for sports through various platforms. His efforts contribute to raising awareness and supporting the athletic community, making him a fitting choice for the honor.
Among other awards presented, the Emerging Sportsperson of the Year award went to wrestler Aman Sehrawat, showcasing the new talent shaping the future of Indian sports. Hockey India was honored as the Federation of the Year, representing significant contributions to nurturing hockey talent, alongside special recognition for the Paralympic Committee of India.
The TOISA night also highlighted remarkable performances from athletes from Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing the regional talent and contributions to national sports. Among those recognized were Vijay Sharma, Shelly Singh, and Varun Singh Bhatti.
Prasad Sanyal, Business Head at Times Internet, shared insights on the role of TOISA: "TOISA 2024...it's not just honoring medals and records, we’re showcasing how sports unite our nation." This sentiment resonates deeply as the awards reflect the collective efforts of athletes, coaches, and organizations across India.
The event concluded with rousing applause as the gathered sports icons celebrated their accomplishments. With the emphasis on uniting diverse sports disciplines and recognizing various talented individuals, TOISA 2024 has reaffirmed its commitment to inspiring young athletes.
Indeed, as TOISA continues to grow, it serves not only as recognition but as motivation for future generations, showing them the potential for success through hard work and dedication. This celebratory evening in Lucknow was not just about accomplishments but the bright future of Indian sports.