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 Chess Player of the Year awards represent India’s extraordinary depth of talent in global chess, with players delivering standout performances across major international tournaments. Among the men, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa enjoyed a remarkable season, winning the Tata Steel Chess Tournament and the Superbet Chess Classic Romania, while rising to World No. 4 in the FIDE rankings. Aravindh Chithambaram claimed the Prague Chess Festival Masters title, while P. Iniyan secured multiple international titles and the Indian National Championship. Nihal Sarin and Arjun Erigaisi also impressed with strong international results, including podium finishes at world events. In the women’s category, Divya Deshmukh made history by winning the Women’s Chess World Cup and earning the Grandmaster title, while stalwarts Koneru Humpy, R. Vaishali and P. V. Nandhidhaa delivered consistent performances at elite global and national events.Rameshbabu PraggnanandhaaDate of Birth: August 10, 2005Place of Birth: Chennai, Tamil NaduMajor Achievements in 2025:Winner, Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025 (Masters)Winner, Grand Chess Tour Superbet Chess Classic Romania 2025Second place, Stepan Avagyan MemorialWinner, 2nd UzChess Cup 2025 (Blitz tiebreak)Reached World No. 4, India No. 1 in FIDE rankingsAdvanced to the fourth round, Chess World Cup 2025Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, born on 10 August 2005 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, has firmly established himself as one of the brightest stars in global chess. The year 2025 was particularly remarkable for the young Grandmaster, as he continued to demonstrate his prodigious talent on the world stage.He began the year by winning the prestigious Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025 (Masters) after a thrilling playoff, announcing his arrival among the elite. Praggnanandhaa also triumphed at the Grand Chess Tour Superbet Chess Classic Romania 2025, securing his first classical Grand Chess Tour title. Other notable performances included a second-place finish at the Stepan Avagyan Memorial and a victory in the 2nd UzChess Cup 2025 (Blitz tiebreaks). These successes propelled him to World No. 4 and the top-ranked player in India.He further showcased his skill at the Chess World Cup 2025, advancing to the fourth round against stiff competition. Praggnanandhaa’s 2025 season reflects his consistency, resilience, and potential to dominate the chess world for years to come.Aravindh ChithambaramDate of Birth: September 11, 1999Place of Birth: Thirunagar, Madurai, Tamil NaduMajor Achievements in 2025:Winner, Prague Chess Festival Masters 2025 (undefeated 6/9)Strong performance, Stepan Avagyan Memorial 2025 (top placement via tiebreak)Reached World No. 14 in FIDE live rankingsAravindh Chithambaram, born on 11 September 1999 in Thirunagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is one of India’s leading chess Grandmasters. Known for his strategic depth and consistent performance, 2025 was a breakthrough year for him on the international stage.The year began with a stunning victory at the Prague Chess Festival Masters 2025, where he remained undefeated with a score of 6/9, finishing ahead of several elite players, including top-ranked Grandmasters. He followed this with a strong showing at the Stepan Avagyan Memorial 2025, where he again performed flawlessly, securing a top placement via tiebreak. These achievements helped him climb into the FIDE live top rankings, reaching World No. 14, marking him as one of the strongest players globally.Aravindh’s 2025 season demonstrated his tactical brilliance, resilience under pressure, and readiness to challenge the world’s best. His rise reflects India’s growing prominence in international chess and cements his status as a consistent and formidable contender.Panneerselvam IniyanDate of Birth: September 13, 2002Place of Birth: Erode, Tamil Nadu, IndiaMajor Achievements in 2025:Winner, Johor International Open Chess Tournament 2025 (Malaysia)Winner, Cannes Chess Open 2025 (France)Winner, 2nd Dole Trophy/Grand Aix Masters 2025 (tiebreak)Winner, 62nd Indian National Chess Championship 2025 (Classical)Winner, National Rapid Chess Championship 2025 (making him double national champion)Panneerselvam Iniyan, born on 13 September 2002 in Erode, Tamil Nadu, is a prominent Indian chess Grandmaster who enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2025. The 23-year-old demonstrated his consistency and competitive edge across multiple international and national events. Early in the year, he captured the Johor International Open Chess Tournament title in Malaysia with a commanding performance against strong international fields. He continued his winning streak in Europe by claiming the Cannes Chess Open and then triumphing at the 2nd Dole Trophy/Grand Aix Masters after tiebreaks, underscoring his adaptability across formats and conditions.In October, Iniyan clinched the 62nd Indian National Chess Championship in Guntur, remaining undefeated over 11 rounds to become national champion. He had already secured the National Rapid Chess Championship earlier in the season, making him a double national champion in 2025. Iniyan’s achievements this year reflect his rise as one of India’s most formidable chess talents, blending tactical strength with competitive resilience.Nihal SarinDate of Birth: July 13, 2004Place of Birth: Thrissur, Kerala, IndiaMajor Achievements in 2025Winner -18th Tashkent Open Agzamov Memorial 2025Silver – Asian Individual Chess Championship 2025Winner – 4th International President’s Cup Masters 2025 with a performance of 2836Nihal Sarin, born on 13 July 2004 in Thrissur, Kerala, is one of India’s leading chess Grandmasters and a prominent figure in the global chess elite. The year 2025 was a defining period in his career, marked by consistent high-level performances across international events. He began the year by winning the 18th Tashkent Open “Agzamov Memorial”, finishing unbeaten and reaffirming his strength in classical play. Sarin also secured a silver medal at the Asian Individual Chess Championship 2025, a significant continental result that underscored his competitive consistency.A major milestone came as he officially joined the 2700+ FIDE rating club, becoming one of India’s select Super Grandmasters. Later in the year, he dominated the 4th International President’s Cup Masters with a remarkable performance rating of 2836, finishing well ahead of the field.Arjun ErigaisiDate of Birth: September 3, 2003Place of Birth: Warangal, Telangana, IndiaMajor Achievements in 2025Bronze — FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship 2025 (Doha)Bronze — FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship 2025Became India’s No. 1 in live FIDE ratings and reached World No. 4 during Chennai Grand Masters 2025First Indian player to qualify for the Esports World Cup 2025World No. 3 in published FIDE Rating List (June 2025)Arjun Erigaisi, born on 3 September 2003 in Warangal, Telangana, is one of India’s most accomplished chess Grandmasters and a leading force on the global circuit. The year 2025 saw him deliver standout performances across formats, reinforcing his status among the world’s elite. He earned a bronze medal at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship 2025 in Doha, becoming the only Indian male since Viswanathan Anand to podium in that event, and followed it with a bronze at the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship 2025, marking a rare double podium finish in the same year in rapid and blitz. These achievements highlighted his versatility and competitive depth under pressure.Erigaisi also climbed the live FIDE rankings to become India’s No. 1 player and reached World No. 4 during the Chennai Grand Masters. In published ratings, he reclaimed a top-three spot, finishing as World No. 3 in mid-2025. Additionally, he became the first Indian qualifier for the Esports World Cup 2025, reflecting his adaptability across competitive formats. His 2025 season solidified his role as a key pillar of India’s chess ascendancy on the global stage.Divya DeshmukhDate 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.Koneru HumpyDate of Birth: March 31, 1987Place of Birth: Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, IndiaMajor Achievements in 2025Bronze – 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship, DohaWinner – Pune FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2025 (finished top on tiebreaks)Qualified for 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament via Grand Prix standingsKoneru Humpy, born on 31 March 1987 in Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, is one of India’s most iconic chess Grandmasters and a trailblazer in women’s chess. In 2025, Humpy continued to demonstrate her enduring excellence on the world stage, adding further highlights to an already illustrious career.She secured a bronze medal at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha, showcasing her tactical brilliance and resilience against a strong international field. Earlier in the year, she won the Pune FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2025, finishing first on tiebreaks and earning valuable points toward world championship qualification.As a result of her Grand Prix performances, Humpy positioned herself to qualify for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, underlining her status among the world’s elite female players. At 38, she remains a cornerstone of Indian chess, admired for her strategic depth, longevity, and leadership in the sport.Vaishali RameshbabuDate of Birth: June 21, 2001Place of Birth: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IndiaMajor Achievements in 2025Winner – FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss Tournament 2025Qualified for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament via her Grand Swiss triumphBronze – FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship 2025Vaishali Rameshbabu, born on 21 June 2001 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is one of India’s foremost chess grandmasters and a trailblazer in women’s chess. In 2025, she enjoyed a spectacular season that affirmed her status among the world’s elite. The highlight of her year was winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss Tournament in Samarkand for the second consecutive edition, becoming the first player — male or female — to achieve back-to-back titles in the event’s history. This victory not only showcased her consistency and competitive strength but also qualified her for the prestigious 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, bringing her closer to a shot at the World Championship.Vaishali also captured a bronze medal at the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship, highlighting her versatility across time controls. Her 2025 performance underlined her resilience, sharp tactical sense, and ability to deliver under pressure, further cementing her role as a leading force in Indian and global chess.Nandhidhaa PVDate of Birth: April 10, 1996Place of Birth: Sankagiri, Salem district, Tamil NaduMajor Achievements in 2025:Gold — Women’s National Chess Championship 2025She retained her title with 9.5/11 pointsQualified for the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2027 by winning National Championship 2025Represented India in the Women’s World Team Chess Championship 2025 held in Linares, SpainP. V. Nandhidhaa, born on 10 April 1996 in Sankagiri, Tamil Nadu, is a leading Indian Woman Grandmaster (WGM) known for her competitive spirit and steady rise in national and international chess. In 2025, she enjoyed one of her most successful seasons, beginning with a stellar performance at the 51st Women’s National Chess Championship held in Durgapur. Nandhidhaa scored 9.5/11 to successfully defend her national title for the second consecutive year, demonstrating remarkable consistency and resilience against India’s top female players.Her victory not only added another prestigious national crown but also qualified her for the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2027, placing her firmly in contention on the global stage. Throughout the year, she also represented India at the Women’s World Team Chess Championship 2025 in Linares, contributing to the national team’s efforts in elite international competition.Nandhidhaa’s 2025 season reflected her strategic depth, competitive skill, and leadership among India’s elite women chess players.