TOISA Recap: When Neeraj Chopra spearheads India's sporting excellence

NEW DELHI: The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA), a prestigious ceremony celebrating the zenith of Indian sports, returns for its sixth edition on February 23 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Since its debut in 2015, TOISA has consistently recognized and honored the exceptional achievements of Indian athletes on the global stage.
This year's gala, covering performances from January 1 to December 31, 2023, is set to be a grand affair, showcasing the country's sports stars.The TOISA 2023, co-partnered by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, promises an evening filled with glitz, glamour, and sporting excellence.
As we await the grand ceremony in the city of Nawabs, let's recap the fifth edition of the prestigious award, which was organized on October 14, 2022.
Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra leads the honors
In an evening that celebrated the pinnacle of Indian sports, Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra stood out at the TOISA 2021, clinching the prestigious 'Sportsperson of the Year' award. The gala, attended by a constellation of sports stars, recognized the remarkable achievements of Indian athletes in 2021, highlighting Chopra's unparalleled success in men's javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics.
A night of stars and achievements
The ceremony was graced by legends across various disciplines, including hockey veterans Zafar Iqbal and Ajit Pal Singh, wrestlers like Bajrang Punia and the Phogat sisters, and boxing icon MC Mary Kom. Chopra's Olympic triumph, marking India's first track and field medal at the Olympics since independence, also earned him the 'Athlete of the Year' accolade.
Lifetime achievement and beyond
The TOISA also honored cricketing legend Bishan Singh Bedi with the Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his distinguished career. Meanwhile, badminton stars Kidambi Srikanth and PV Sindhu were recognized for their global successes, with Sindhu's back-to-back Olympic medals cementing her status as a trailblazer in Indian sports.
Diverse winners across the sporting spectrum
The awards spanned a variety of sports, from cricket, where Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana were lauded, to hockey, recognizing the goal-keeping stalwarts PR Sreejesh and Savita Punia for their Olympic heroics. The men's hockey team's bronze at Tokyo, breaking a 41-year Olympic medal drought, was aptly celebrated with the 'Team of the Year' award.
Emerging talents and established champions in shooting, archery, boxing, football, wrestling, and weightlifting were also honored, showcasing the depth and diversity of India's sporting talent. Among them, Ravi Dahiya and Mirabai Chanu were spotlighted for their Olympic medals, underscoring India's rising stature on the world stage.
Coaches and para-athletes recognized
The TOISA didn't overlook the architects behind the scenes, awarding coaches Vijay Sharma and Sandhya Gurung for their pivotal roles in shaping world-class athletes. The ceremony also shone a light on para-sports, with Avani Lekhara, Pramod Bhagat, and Krishna Nagar receiving accolades for their Paralympic triumphs, showcasing the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes across all arenas of competition.
The TOISA 2021 not only celebrated the past year's achievements but also set the stage for future glory, inspiring countless Indians to reach for their dreams with determination and pride.