TOISA 2025 Emerging Sportsperson of the Year Nominees: Honouring India's rising stars

The eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) will be held on March 21, 2026, in Lucknow, celebrating the inspiring journeys and achievements of India’s finest athletes across multiple disciplines.

TOISA 2025 will recognise performances delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2025, highlighting standout displays at global championships and major international competitions. Featuring more than 45 award categories, the event honours both established stars and emerging talents who made the nation proud through exceptional performances.The winners will be selected by a distinguished jury comprising some of India’s most respected sporting icons, including Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra, hockey legend PR Sreejesh, batting great Mithali Raj, Paralympic champion Devendra Jhajharia, table tennis stalwart Sharath Kamal and tennis legend Leander Paes.

Their collective expertise ensures a credible and balanced evaluation of excellence across Indian sport.The nominees for the TOISA 2025 Emerging Player of the Year award represent a new generation of Indian athletes who made a significant impact on the global stage through remarkable performances and record-breaking achievements. In badminton, Tanvi Sharma impressed with a silver medal in girls’ singles at the BWF World Junior Championships and a gold at the Denmark Challenge.

Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh captured the Women's Chess World Cup title and earned the prestigious Grandmaster title, underlining her rapid rise in world chess. In cricket, Shree Charani played a vital role in India’s triumph at the ICC Women's ODI World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker. Meanwhile, teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi created history by becoming the youngest debutant and centurion in the Indian Premier League.

Together, these nominees embody the promise, talent, and bright future of Indian sport.Tanvi Sharma (Badminton)Date of Birth: December 22, 2008Place of Birth: Hoshiarpur, Punjab, IndiaSport: BadmintonMajor Achievements in 2025:World Junior Championships: Silver - Girl's SinglesWorld Junior Championships: Bronze - Mixed teamAsian Junior Championships: Bronze - Girls' singlesDenmark Challenge: GoldBorn on December 22, 2008, in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, Tanvi Sharma has quickly emerged as one of India’s most promising young badminton talents.

Making waves on the junior international circuit, she is known for her agility, precise footwork, and tactical game sense that sets her apart from her peers.The year 2025 was particularly stellar for Tanvi. She claimed a silver medal in the Girl's Singles and a bronze in the Mixed Team event at the World Junior Championships, demonstrating her versatility and composure under pressure. At the Asian Junior Championships, she secured a bronze in the Girls’ Singles, further cementing her reputation as a consistent performer.

Tanvi also showcased her dominance in Europe by clinching gold at the Denmark Challenge, adding a significant international title to her growing resume.With her talent, dedication, and early success, Tanvi Sharma is widely seen as a future star for Indian badminton on the senior stage.Divya Deshmukh (Chess)Date of Birth: December 9, 2005Place of Birth: Nagpur, MaharashtraSport: ChessMajor Achievements in 2025:Women's Chess World Cup: WinnerGrandmaster (GM) titleQualified for the 2026 Women’s Candidates TournamentBorn on December 9, 2005, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Divya Deshmukh has rapidly established herself as one of India’s brightest chess talents.

Known for her sharp calculation, strategic depth, and composure under pressure, Divya has consistently impressed on the international stage, combining tactical brilliance with a strong competitive mindset.The year 2025 proved historic for her career. She won the Women’s Chess World Cup, defeating top contenders and announcing herself as a major force in global women’s chess. This landmark victory also earned her the prestigious Grandmaster (GM) title, making her India’s 88th Grandmaster and the fourth Indian woman to achieve this feat.

Additionally, her performances secured her qualification for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, bringing her a step closer to challenging for the Women’s World Championship.With her talent, dedication, and early success, Divya Deshmukh is widely regarded as a future star in Indian and international chess, inspiring a new generation of players.Shree CharaniDate of Birth: August 4, 2004Place of Birth: Kadapa, Andhra PradeshSport: CricketMajor Achievements in 2025:ICC Women's ODI World Cup - WinnerSecond-highest wicket-taker in the ICC Women's ODI World CupShree Charani, born on August 4, 2004, in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, has emerged as one of India’s brightest young cricketing talents.

Hailing from Yeramala Palli Village in Veerapunayunipalle mandal, Charani made history by becoming the first woman from the YSR-Kadapa district to earn a place in the Indian national team at just 20 years of age.Her breakthrough year came in 2025 when she played a pivotal role in India’s triumph at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup. Charani finished the tournament as the second-highest wicket-taker, claiming 14 wickets in 9 matches, showcasing her skill, consistency, and temperament on the global stage.

Her performances not only strengthened India’s bowling attack but also inspired countless young girls from small towns to dream big.

Known for her precision, athleticism, and cricketing intelligence, Charani continues to rise as a role model and a promising force in Indian women’s cricket.Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (cricket)Date of Birth: March 27, 2011Place of Birth: Samastipur, BiharSport: CricketMajor Achievements in 2025:Youngest debutant in IPL historyYoungest player to score a century in the IPLRashtriya Bal Puraskar, highest civilian honour for childrenBorn on March 27, 2011, in Samastipur, Bihar, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has taken the cricketing world by storm with his extraordinary talent and composure well beyond his years.

A right-handed batsman known for his fearless strokeplay and mature approach, Vaibhav has already set multiple records in Indian cricket history.The year 2025 was groundbreaking for the young prodigy. He became the youngest debutant in IPL history and followed it up by becoming the youngest player to score a century in the tournament, stunning fans and experts alike. His achievements also earned him the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, India’s highest civilian honour for children.With his remarkable skill, mental strength, and record-breaking feats, Sooryavanshi is poised to become one of India’s next cricketing legends.