TOISA 2025 Nominees: Honoring India's para chess players

The Times of India Sports Awards is set to return with its eighth edition, once again shining a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of India’s finest athletes. The much awaited TOISA 2025 ceremony will be held on March 21, 2026 in Lucknow, bringing together some of the country’s biggest sporting icons and rising stars who delivered outstanding performances over the past year.The awards will recognise athletes across more than 45 categories, celebrating achievements recorded between January 1 and December 31, 2025. Over the course of the year, Indian sport witnessed several memorable moments across global championships and major international competitions. TOISA continues to honour those who have pushed boundaries and made the nation proud through dedication and excellence.The winners will be decided by a distinguished panel of sporting legends that includes Abhinav Bindra, PR Sreejesh, Mithali Raj, Devendra Jhajharia, Sharath Kamal and Leander Paes.

Here are the para chess players nominated for TOISA 2025:Samarth J Rao has steadily built a reputation as one of India’s dependable performers in para chess. Born on May 20, 1999 in Karnataka, Samarth has represented the country at several national and international events. His 2025 season was particularly impressive. He finished runner up at the 5th National Chess Championship for Specially Abled Players after going unbeaten across nine rounds. The strong showing helped him qualify for the 24th World IPCA Individual Chess Championship.

Samarth later represented India at the world event held in Goa, where he competed against leading players from around the globe in the standard section. His consistent presence at major tournaments highlights his determination and growing stature in the physically disabled category.Vaibhav Gautam hails from Uttar Pradesh. Born on November 1, 2002, Vaibhav achieved a major breakthrough in 2025 with a memorable performance on the international stage.

He secured the silver medal in the men’s wheelchair category at the 24th World IPCA Individual Chess Championship in Goa. The achievement marked an important milestone in his career and firmly established him among the leading competitors in his category worldwide.

His podium finish at a prestigious global event showcased his skill, focus and steady rise in international para chess. Venkata Krishna Karthik K, a seasoned competitor from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh.

Born on November 14, 1986, Karthik enjoyed a strong 2025 season highlighted by his triumph at the National Chess Competition for Specially Abled Persons in the main category. The victory crowned him national champion and reaffirmed his standing among the country’s elite para chess players. Earlier in the year, he had entered the 5th National Chess Championship for Specially Abled Players as the second seed and highest ranked participant.

His performances there further strengthened his reputation and also earned him the opportunity to represent India at the 24th World IPCA Individual Chess Championship.As the eighth edition of TOISA approaches, stories like those of Samarth J Rao, Vaibhav Gautam and Venkata Krishna Karthik K highlight the depth of talent and determination present in Indian para sports. Their journeys reflect not only sporting excellence but also the spirit of perseverance that continues to inspire athletes across the country.