Lucknow is preparing to host the eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) on March 21, 2026, a celebration of India’s athletic achievements across a diverse range of sports. TOISA 2025 will recognize performances from January 1 to December 31, 2025, highlighting standout moments from both global championships and major international tournaments. More than 45 categories will be awarded, acknowledging both established sporting icons and the rising stars who have brought national pride to India.
The selection of winners will be entrusted to a distinguished jury comprised of Indian sporting legends, including Abhinav Bindra, PR Sreejesh, Mithali Raj, Devendra Jhajharia, Sharath Kamal, and Leander Paes, ensuring a credible and respected recognition of excellence in Indian sport. Here’s a look at the para badminton players nominated for TOISA 2025.
Para Badminton (Male)
Name: Pramod Bhagat
Date of Birth: June 4, 1988
Place of Birth: Hajipur, Vaishali, Bihar, India
Sport: Para Badminton
Major Achievements in 2025:
- China Para Badminton International 2025: Gold medal in Men’s Singles SL3
- China Para Badminton International 2025: Silver medal in Men’s Doubles SL3–SU5 (with Sukant Kadam)
- Abia Para Badminton International 2025: Three gold medals (Men’s Singles SL3, Men’s Doubles SL3–SU5 with Sukant Kadam, Mixed Doubles SL3–SU5)
- Japan Para Badminton International 2025: Multiple golds (Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles)
Pramod Bhagat demonstrated a strong return to international competition in 2025. He secured gold in the men’s singles SL3 category at the China Para Badminton International, and a silver medal in the men’s doubles SL3–SU5 alongside Sukant Kadam. His success continued at the Abia Para Badminton International in Nigeria, where he claimed three gold medals – in singles, men’s doubles with Kadam, and mixed doubles with Arati Patil – showcasing his versatility. Bhagat capped off the year with a dominant performance at the Japan Para Badminton International, winning gold in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, solidifying his position as a leading para shuttler in India.
Name: Sukant Kadam
Date of Birth: Not publicly available
Place of Birth: Not publicly available
Sport: Para Badminton
Major Achievements in 2025:
- China Para Badminton International 2025: Silver medal in Men’s Singles SL4
- China Para Badminton International 2025: Silver medal in Men’s Doubles SL3–SU5 (with Pramod Bhagat)
- Abia Para Badminton International 2025: Gold medal in Men’s Doubles SL3–SL4 (with Pramod Bhagat)
- Japan Para Badminton International 2025: Gold medal in Men’s Doubles SL3–SL4; silver in Singles SL4
Sukant Kadam enjoyed a successful 2025 season on the international para-badminton circuit. He reached the final in the men’s singles SL4 at the China Para Badminton International, earning a silver medal, and also secured silver in the men’s doubles SL3–SU5 with Pramod Bhagat. At the Abia Para Badminton International, Kadam and Bhagat won gold in the men’s doubles SL3–SL4. His strong form continued at the Japan Para Badminton International, where he again partnered with Bhagat to win gold in men’s doubles and added a silver in the singles SL4 event, demonstrating his consistent performance in both singles and doubles play.
Name: Krishna Nagar
Date of Birth: Not publicly available
Place of Birth: Not publicly available
Sport: Para Badminton
Major Achievements in 2025:
- China Para Badminton International 2025: Silver medal in Men’s Singles SH6
- Japan Para Badminton International 2025: Two gold medals (Men’s Singles SH6; Mixed Doubles SH6)
- Polytron Indonesia Para Badminton International 2025: Bronze medal in Men’s Singles SH6; silver in Mixed Doubles SH6
Krishna Nagar continued to be a key performer for India in para-badminton throughout 2025. He won silver in the men’s singles SH6 category at the China Para Badminton International. He then excelled at the Japan Para Badminton International, securing two gold medals – in men’s singles SH6 and mixed doubles SH6. At the Polytron Indonesia Para Badminton International, he added a bronze in men’s singles SH6 and a silver in mixed doubles SH6, consistently contributing to India’s medal count across multiple global events.
Para Badminton (Female)
Name: Mandeep Kaur
Date of Birth: September 18, 1995
Place of Birth: Not publicly available
Sport: Para Badminton
Major Achievements in 2025:
- Asian Para Badminton Championships: Silver medal in Women’s Singles SL3
Mandeep Kaur secured a silver medal in the women’s singles SL3 event at the 2025 Asian Para Badminton Championships in Thailand. This podium finish was part of a record-breaking medal haul for India at the continental event, where Indian para-shuttlers achieved their best-ever performance with 27 medals, including multiple silvers and bronzes.
Name: Manasi Joshi
Date of Birth: June 11, 1989
Place of Birth: Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Sport: Para Badminton
Major Achievements in 2025:
- Asian Para Badminton Championships: Bronze medal in Women’s Singles SL3
- Asian Para Badminton Championships: Silver medal in Women’s Doubles SL3-SU5
At the 2025 Asian Para Badminton Championships in Thailand, Manasi Joshi added to her medal collection with a bronze in the women’s singles SL3 event. She also secured a silver medal in the women’s doubles SL3-SU5 category, contributing to India’s record performance at the championships with a total of 27 medals.
Name: Nithya Sre
Date of Birth: January 7, 2005
Place of Birth: Karur, Tamil Nadu, India
Sport: Para Badminton
Major Achievements in 2025:
- Asian Para Badminton Championships: Silver medal in Women’s Singles SH6
- Asian Para Badminton Championships: Silver medal in Women’s Doubles SH6
- Asian Para Badminton Championships: Silver medal in Mixed Doubles SH6
Nithya Sre Sivan had a remarkable 2025 season at the Asian Para Badminton Championships in Thailand, winning three silver medals: in women’s singles SH6, women’s doubles SH6, and mixed doubles SH6. Her performances were instrumental in India’s record medal tally at the event, with Indian para-shuttlers finishing with 27 medals across all categories.
The TOISA awards ceremony promises to be a fitting tribute to the dedication and achievements of these athletes and many others who have excelled in their respective sports. The event in Lucknow will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of Indian athletes to pursue their dreams and represent the nation with pride.
The Times of India Sports Awards will be presented on March 21, 2026. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates and coverage of the event. What are your predictions for the winners? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
