TOISA 2024: Celebrating India’s Rising Sports Stars | More sports News
NEW DELHI: India’s rising sports stars, who made a lasting impression with their breakthrough performances last year, have earned nominations for the prestigious Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2024. These young and dynamic athletes, hailed for their talent, perseverance, and potential, will be recognized in the Emerging Sportsperson of the Year category.
With February 22 drawing closer, excitement is building for the announcement of this year’s most promising athlete. The winners will be honoured at a grand ceremony in Lucknow, famously known as the ‘City of Nawabs.’
This year’s theme, #MoreSweatMoreGlory, celebrates the relentless dedication of athletes and para-athletes striving for excellence across diverse sports.
Here are the emerging stars nominated for TOISA 2024:
Emerging Sportsperson of the Year
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Date of Birth: 28 December, 2001
Place of Birth: Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh
Sport: Cricket
Major Achievements in 2024
– Most runs for India in Tests – 1478
– Two double centuries in consecutive Tests
– Equalled the world record of most sixes in a Test innings
Opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as a standout performer in international cricket in the year 2024. He amassed 1,478 runs in Test matches, making him India’s highest run-scorer for the year. Notably, during the home Test series against England, Jaiswal achieved two double centuries, becoming the third Indian batter after Vinod Kambli and Virat Kohli to record double centuries in consecutive Test matches. In one of these innings, he equaled the world record for the most sixes in a Test innings by hitting 12 sixes.
Anmol Kharb
Date of Birth: 20 January, 2007
Place of Birth: Faridabad, Haryana
Sport: Badminton
Major Achievements in 2024
– Part of India’s gold-medal winning at the Asia Team Championships
– Won her maiden global title – Belgian International
– Also won the Polish International
– Achieved career-high world ranking of 66 after a prolific 2024
The 17-year-old Indian badminton prodigy Anmol made significant strides on the international stage. She clinched her maiden international title at the Belgian International in September. Shortly after, she secured her second consecutive title at the Polish International. Kharb also played a pivotal role in India’s historic triumph at the Asia Team Championships, where the Indian women’s team clinched the gold medal for the first time.These accomplishments propelled her to a career-high world ranking of 66 by January 2025.
Aman Sehrawat
Date of Birth: 16 July, 2003
Place of Birth: Birohar (Jhajjar), Haryana
Sport: Wrestling
Major Achievements in 2024
– Won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics in 57kg freestyle category
– Became the youngest Indian to win an Olympic medal
– Gold medal in 57kg at Zagreb Open
Wrestler Aman Sehrawat achieved remarkable milestones, establishing himself as a prominent figure in international wrestling. In January, he clinched the gold medal in the men’s 57kg category at the Zagreb Open, defeating all his opponents by technical superiority. His consistent performances throughout the year earned him a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. At the Olympics, Sehrawat showcased exceptional skill, advancing to the semifinals. Although he faced a setback in the semifinals against Japan’s Rei Higuchi, he demonstrated resilience by securing a bronze medal. This accomplishment made him India’s youngest Olympic medalist at 21 years and 24 days old.
Divya Deshmukh
Date of Birth: 9 December, 2005
Place of Birth: Nagpur, India
Sport: Chess
Major Achievements in 2024
– Became FIDE under-20 girls world champion
– Team and Individual gold medals at the Chess Olympiad
– Won the Sharjah Challengers Title
Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh delivered exceptional performances, solidifying her status as a rising star in the chess world. In May, she clinched the Sharjah Challengers title, finishing with a score of 7/9. June saw Deshmukh’s crowning achievement when she became the FIDE World Under-20 Girls Chess Champion. At the Chess Olympiad in September, Deshmukh played a pivotal role in India’s triumph, contributing to both team and individual gold medals.
Sanjay
Date of Birth: 5 May, 2001
Place of Birth: Dabra (Hisar), Haryana
Sport: Hockey
Major Achievements in 2024
– Part of the bronze-medal winning team at Paris Olympics
In 2024, Indian hockey defender Sanjay delivered standout performances on the international stage. He made his Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, contributing significantly to India’s campaign. In the semi-final against Germany, Sanjay showcased exceptional defensive skills, notably making a crucial goal-line block early in the final quarter, which kept India alive in the match.
