Sports
TOISA 2026 set for Lucknow on March 21
57th edition honours 2025 sporting excellence with star-studded jury.
MUMBAI: The Times of India Sports Awards just called Lucknow home for the night because when champions gather, even the city of nawabs wants a front-row seat. The eighth edition of The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA 2025) will take place on 21 March 2026 at The Centrum Hotel in Lucknow, celebrating the outstanding performances of Indian athletes from 1 January to 31 December 2025 across more than 45 sports categories.
For over a decade, TOISA has earned respect as the one night on the Indian sporting calendar judged purely on athletic merit. Recognised by federations, coaches and athletes alike, it consistently honours those who push boundaries across disciplines, regions and generations.
This year’s edition returns to Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh, a state that has steadily emerged as a powerhouse of grassroots talent in wrestling, athletics and beyond. Hosting TOISA here reflects the reality that India’s sporting excellence now runs deep into every corner of the country.
The jury for TOISA 2025 features six of India’s most decorated athletes Leander Paes (tennis), Mithali Raj (cricket), Abhinav Bindra (shooting), Devendra Jhajharia (para athletics), Sharath Kamal (table tennis) and PR Sreejesh (hockey). Their collective experience brings unmatched authority to the evaluations.
The Times of India chief operating officer Puneet Gupt said, “The Times of India has always believed that every champion deserves to be celebrated not just those the headlines follow most easily. TOISA was built on that conviction, and eight editions later, it remains the most meaningful thing we do in the sporting space. Bringing this platform to Lucknow this year is a reflection of where Indian sport is growing.”
Badminton shone brightly in 2025, earning ten nominations including Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, underlining the sport’s rising depth across singles and doubles, men and women.
Leander Paes, a jury member and Olympic medallist said, “TOISA matters because it notices. It looks beyond the obvious and finds the athletes who are quietly rewriting what Indian sport is capable of.”
Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, added, “An evening like TOISA reminds us that those sacrifices are seen and valued. It gives the sport, and the people who play it, a dignity that goes beyond trophies.”
With nominations already highlighting a year of memorable wins and record-breaking feats, TOISA 2026 promises to be the one night where India’s sporting heroes are seen, celebrated and remembered exactly as they deserve.
Sports
Rugby Premier League 2026 to be held in Hyderabad
Second edition returns in Rugby 7s format from 16 to 28 June at Gachibowli Stadium.
MUMBAI: Hyderabad is all set to tackle a new sporting challenge, the Rugby Premier League is coming to town, and this time it promises even more pace, power and passion. GMR Sports, in partnership with Rugby India, has announced that the second edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) will be staged at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad from 16 to 28 June 2026.
Following a successful debut in Mumbai last year, the league returns in the fast-paced Rugby 7s format. All six franchises from the inaugural season will compete again, bringing together top Indian and international talent to deliver high-quality, action-packed rugby for fans.
The shift to Hyderabad aligns with GMR Sports’ growing commitment to building world-class sporting infrastructure in the city. It also follows the group’s recent MoU with the Government of Telangana to develop a Satellite Sports City within Bharat Future City.
Government of Telangana special chief secretary (Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture & Sports), IAS Jayesh Ranjan welcomed the league, saying Hyderabad’s emergence as a global sporting destination reflects the state’s long-term vision.
Rugby India President Rahul Bose emphasised the league’s continuous improvement, “With everything one does in life, the quest is to always do better, be better, deliver better.” He promised a superior fan experience, higher quality rugby, and a stronger television and OTT product in 2026.
GMR Sports CEO Satyam Trivedi highlighted Hyderabad’s excellent sports infrastructure, connectivity and passionate fan base as ideal for the league. “One of our franchise partners is rooted in Hyderabad, underscoring the city’s pivotal role in our long-term vision for rugby in India,” he added.
Sports Authority of Telangana, vice chairman & managing director, IFS A. Sonibala Devi noted that hosting the RPL will strengthen the state’s high-performance ecosystem and provide valuable exposure to emerging talent.
With elite competition, a proven format and a new energetic host city, the 2026 Rugby Premier League is shaping up to be a thrilling chapter in the growth of rugby across India. Get ready, Hyderabad rugby is about to touch down in style.
