TOISA 2025 unites india's finest sporting talent in lucknow

Introduction

India's sporting calendar has never been more exciting. From cricket domination on the world stage to athletics podiums and chess prodigies making global headlines, indian sport in 2025 has delivered moment after memorable moment. Now, one platform is bringing all of it together under one roof. The eighth edition of the times of india sports awards is arriving in lucknow — and for the first time in its history, it is opening its doors to the public. Here is why every sports fan and brand marketer should be watching closely.

What just happened

The times of india sports awards 2025, widely known as TOISA, is set to take place on march 21, 2026, at the centrum hotel in lucknow. Now in its eighth consecutive edition, the ceremony has grown into one of the most recognised platforms celebrating sporting excellence across india.

This year's nominee list is notably diverse. It spans cricket, athletics, badminton, shooting, chess, para sports, and more than 30 disciplines in total — reflecting the true breadth of india's sporting ecosystem. Among the prominent names in the running are Neeraj chopra in athletics, Smriti mandhana in women's cricket, and Rameshbabu praggnanandhaa in chess, alongside a strong mix of emerging and established performers.

The cricket nominees alone tell a compelling story — featuring members of india's ODI world cup-winning women's team, a champions trophy-winning squad, and a T20 world cup-winning side. Beyond cricket, the list includes double gold medallists from the asian athletics championships and podium finishers at the world para athletics championships.

Categories cover sportsperson of the year, emerging sportsperson, team of the year, and sport-specific honours — giving recognition to both headline performers and quieter, consistent achievers who often go unnoticed.

The most significant development this year is a format shift. TOISA 2025 is opening to the public for the first time, with passes available through the times of india's official platform. It is a move that signals a deliberate push toward greater fan engagement and accessibility.

The numbers behind the news

India's sports industry is growing at a pace few could have predicted a decade ago. Grassroots participation is rising, broadcast viewership is expanding beyond cricket, and brand investment in non-cricket sports sponsorships has seen consistent year-on-year growth.

Against this backdrop, platforms like TOISA carry more weight than a simple awards night. They shape public perception of sporting achievement, direct media attention toward athletes who may otherwise receive limited coverage, and create commercial visibility for sponsors and partners.

The decision to open TOISA to the public this year is data-smart. Fan-first experiences drive earned media, social engagement, and cultural relevance in ways that closed-door industry events simply cannot replicate. For brands associated with the event, the shift from an exclusive ceremony to a fan-accessible platform multiplies reach significantly — particularly across digital and social channels where sports audiences are most active.

The brands.in perspective

TOISA going public is the most interesting thing about this year's edition — and it is not getting enough credit. For years, sports awards in india have operated as industry-facing events, largely invisible to the very fans who make these athletes worth celebrating. By opening the gates, times of india is making a smart editorial and commercial bet simultaneously. Brands that sponsor or activate around TOISA 2025 are not just buying association with sporting excellence — they are buying access to a live, passionate, and highly engaged audience. That is a very different proposition from a gala dinner. Indian sports marketing is growing up, and TOISA just moved with it.

Key takeaways for marketers

• TOISA 2025 takes place on march 21, 2026, at the centrum hotel, lucknow.
• The eighth edition covers 30-plus disciplines including cricket, athletics, chess, and para sports.
• Neeraj chopra, smriti mandhana, and praggnanandhaa are among key nominees.
• Public attendance is allowed for the first time — a major format shift.
• Brand sponsors gain access to a live fan audience, not just an industry crowd.

Faq section

Q: What is TOISA and when did it start? TOISA stands for times of india sports awards. Now in its eighth edition, it is one of india's leading platforms for recognising sporting excellence across disciplines, from cricket and athletics to chess and para sports.

Q: How is TOISA 2025 different from previous editions? For the first time, the event is open to the public. Passes are available through the times of india's official platform, making it accessible to fans beyond the usual industry and media attendees.

Q: Which athletes are nominated at TOISA 2025? The nominee list includes Neeraj chopra, smriti mandhana, and Rameshbabu praggnanandhaa, among many others spanning more than 30 sporting disciplines and categories including sportsperson of the year and emerging sportsperson.

Closing cta

Indian sport is producing more heroes than ever before — and they all deserve their moment in the spotlight. Which athlete do you think deserves the top honour at TOISA 2025? Share your pick in the comments below, and follow brands.in for daily brand intelligence, sports marketing insights, and everything that matters in indian media.