LUCKNOW: They say the third time is the charm. The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) returns to Lucknow for the third consecutive year with an evening that perfectly blends sporting excellence with high-octane glamor, rolling out the red carpet for the royalty of Indian sports.From Olympians and world champions to Paralympians and emerging stars, the awards ceremony brings everyone under one roof. The host added charm and energy to the party Nehadupia And there’s Angad Bedi, whose effortless stage presence and sharp banter enliven the proceedings.Big names in the sports world attended in their best attires, and the entire venue was sparkling. Sharp suits, elegant saris and statement silhouettes dominated the red carpet, giving us a rare glimpse of athletes away from the field and into the nationally sanctioned spotlight. The flash follows legends and first-time winners, underscoring the event’s scale and stature.
One of the most fascinating sessions of the evening was when Neha Dhupia invited members of the Indian women’s cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaurtook center stage and briefly changed the tone from formal recognition to candid conversation and humor.What followed was a lively cricket-themed interaction that drew laughter and applause. Using familiar on-field terminology such as LBW, umpire, bouncer and wicket, players – Deepti SharmaHarleen Deol, Shafali Verma and Harmanpreet – describing each other off the field.From social media habits to shopping confessions on tour, the exchange provided a rare glimpse into the team’s camaraderie off the court. The segment culminated in a spontaneous dance that earned one of the loudest applause of the evening.The evening also drew thoughtful attention when Neha Dhupia asked Taapsi PannuTOISA Ambassador of the Year, on portraying athletes on screen – which is more challenging: playing the role or training for it?Taapsee’s attitude was very clear. She said living closest to the athletes is the toughest challenge. Describing herself as a “wannabe athlete,” she said many of her films were motivated by a desire to learn a new sport, adding that athletes are the country’s true heroes – a sentiment that has always drawn her to such roles.The exchange got interesting when she was asked if she still wanted to do a sports biopic. She named Sania Mirza without hesitation, admitting that her unfamiliarity with tennis would make the challenge more exciting. She described Mirza’s journey as very inspiring.As night falls, laughter and laughter form an endless rhythm. The most exciting moment of the night was when disabled chess champion Vaibhav Gautam took the stage. As he was wheeled up to accept the honor, the entire hall gave a spontaneous standing ovation.The award was presented by a distinguished group that included Madan Lal, a member of India’s 1983 World Cup winning team, former hockey international MM Somaya and 2016 Paralympic silver medalist Deepa Malik.The honors span 45 categories, with a focus on disability sports.For Archana Singh (23), attending her first award show was “surreal and unforgettable”. Ritika Sharma (21), a student of Lucknow University, believes that the event provides a perfect balance between sports and entertainment.It’s not just about who wins. The focus is on who shows up, how the night feels, and how movement, style and body shape come together to create a mood that lingers long after the lights dim.
 returned to Lucknow for the third consecutive year, deliveri.){kind=link}