NEW DELHI: India's most outstanding athletes performed remarkably on the global stage last year and earned nominations for the prestigious Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2024. These exceptional sportspersons, known for their skill, resilience, and dedication, will be recognized in the Sportsperson of the Year category. With February 22 right around the corner, anticipation peaks as the countdown begins for the grand ceremony in Lucknow, famously known as the 'City of Nawabs', where the winners will be revealed.
This year's theme, #MoreSweatMoreGlory, honors the relentless pursuit of excellence by athletes and para-athletes across various sporting disciplines. Here are the nominees for Sportsperson of the Year:
Neeraj Chopra
Date of Birth: 24 December 1997
Place of Birth: Khandra, Haryana
Sports: Athletics (Javelin Throw)
Major Achievements in 2024: - Silver in Paris Olympics - Silver in Brussels Diamond League
Born on 24 December 1997 in Khandra, Haryana, Neeraj Chopra is India's premier javelin thrower and a global athletics icon. Following his historic gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, he secured silver at the Paris Olympics, solidifying his legacy. He also claimed silver at the Brussels Diamond League, continuing to perform at the highest level. Neeraj remains India's biggest hope in track and field, consistently competing with the world's best throwers. "His dedication and success have not only brought laurels to the country but also inspired a new generation of Indian athletes to take up javelin throw and athletics," reported by The Times of India.
Jasprit Bumrah
Date of Birth: 6 December 1993
Place of Birth: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Sports: Cricket
Major Achievements in 2024: - Men's T20 World Cup - ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year - ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year (Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy)
Born on 6 December 1993 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Jasprit Bumrah is India's premier fast bowler and one of the most feared pacers in world cricket. His contributions included pivotal performances leading to India's T20 World Cup victory and being awarded ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year. He was honored with the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year, cementing his status among the best bowlers of his generation. "With his unique bowling action and unmatched ability to bowl under pressure, Bumrah continues to be a cornerstone of India's success in all formats," reported by The Times of India.
Gukesh Dommaraju
Date of Birth: 29 May 2006
Place of Birth: Chennai
Sport: Chess
Major Achievements in 2024: - Peak FIDE Rating: 2794 (October 2024) - Winner of Candidates Tournament - 45th Chess Olympiad Gold (Team) - 45th Chess Olympiad Gold (Individual) - World Chess Championship winner
Born on 29 May 2006, Gukesh Dommaraju has quickly risen to become one of chess's brightest stars. He reached his peak FIDE rating of 2794 and emerged victorious at the Candidates Tournament, securing entry to the World Chess Championship, where he claimed the title. His contributions at the 45th Chess Olympiad were equally significant, winning both team and individual gold. "His meteoric rise has made him a national sensation, and he continues to inspire young chess players with his exceptional talent and determination," reported by The Times of India.
Manu Bhaker
Date of Birth: 18 February 2002
Place of Birth: Goria, Haryana
Sport: Shooting (10m AP and 25m Pistol)
Major Achievements in 2024: - Bronze Medal at the Paris Olympics (10m air pistol individual) - Bronze medal at the Paris Olympics (10m air pistol mixed team) - First Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal - First Indian athlete to win two medals in the same edition of the Olympics - Awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
Born on 18 February 2002, Manu Bhaker has achieved remarkable feats as one of India's most successful shooters. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she won two bronze medals, making her the first Indian woman shooter to win Olympic medals. Her accomplishments earned her the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting honor. "With her sharp focus, precision, and determination, Manu has cemented her place as one of the finest shooters in Indian sports history," reported by The Times of India.
With these nominations, the TOISA 2024 intends to celebrate the exceptional talent and hard work of Indian athletes who have made their mark globally. This year's ceremony serves as a reminder of the perseverance and dedication these sportspersons exemplify.