Lucknow: The seventh edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2024 unfolded in grand style in Lucknow on Saturday, February 22, celebrating the relentless spirit and excellence of India’s finest athletes.
Addressing the audience, Prasad Sanyal, Business Head of Times Internet, set the tone for the evening, emphasising the significance of perseverance in sports.
Quoting Rudyard Kipling’s iconic lines from If, he highlighted the resilience and determination that define champions. “Etched on the Centre Court at Wimbledon are the lines from Rudyard Kipling’s poem If, which read: If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two impostors just the same. Who better than sportspersons to truly understand this? It is easier said than done, and this is why we celebrate them at TOISA,” he said.
Over the years, TOISA has evolved into one of India’s premier platforms for sporting recognition, honouring athletes who have showcased excellence, dedication, and perseverance.
Returning to Lucknow for the second time, the event was made possible by the unwavering support of the Honorable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, whose commitment to sports continues to shape a thriving future for Indian athletes.
A major highlight of TOISA 2024 was the introduction of Suniel Shetty, the TOISA Brand Ambassador, a prestigious new honour recognising an individual who embodies fitness, promotes a healthier lifestyle, and champions the values of sportsmanship on a larger scale.
The much-anticipated announcement of this year’s TOISA Mentor of The Year Abhinav Bindra was one of the key moments at the start of the evening.
The ceremony was not just about victories but a tribute to the dedication, grit, and passion of Indian athletes. As the evening unfolded, the audience came together to celebrate sporting legends while also looking toward the promising future of Indian sports.
With TOISA 2024, the legacy of honouring India’s finest athletes continues, ensuring that their contributions to sports remain an inspiration for generations to come.