Manu Bhaker and Neeraj Chopra NEW DELHI: India’s most outstanding athletes performed remarkably on the global stage last year and earned nominations for the prestigious Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2024. These exceptional sportspersons, known for their skill, resilience, and dedication, will be recognised in the Sportsperson of the Year category.With February 22 right around the corner, anticipation peaks as the countdown begins for the grand ceremony in Lucknow, famously known as the ‘City of Nawabs’, where the winners will be revealed.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!This year’s theme, #MoreSweatMoreGlory, honours the relentless pursuit of excellence by athletes and para-athletes across various sporting disciplines.Here are the nominees for Sportsperson of the year:Neeraj ChopraDate of Birth: 24 December 1997 Place of Birth: Khandra, Haryana Sports: Athletics (Javelin Throw)Major Achievements in 2024:- Silver in Paris Olympics- Silver in Brussels Diamond LeagueBorn on 24 December 1997 in Khandra, Haryana, Neeraj Chopra is India’s premier javelin thrower and a global athletics icon. In 2024, he secured a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, further solidifying his legacy after his historic gold in 2021. He also claimed silver at the Brussels Diamond League, continuing to perform at the highest level. Neeraj remains India’s biggest hope in track and field, consistently competing with the world’s best throwers. His dedication and success have not only brought laurels to the country but also inspired a new generation of Indian athletes to take up javelin throw and athletics. With his sights set on future championships, Neeraj continues to be a dominant force on the world stage.Jasprit BumrahDate of Birth: 6 December 1993Place of Birth: Ahmedabad, GujaratSports: CricketMajor Achievements in 2024:- Men’s T20 World Cup- ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year- ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year Sir Garfield Sobers TrophyBorn on 6 December 1993 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Jasprit Bumrah is India’s premier fast bowler and one of the most feared pacers in world cricket. In 2024, he played a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup victory, delivering match-winning performances with his lethal pace and pinpoint accuracy. His outstanding performances throughout the year earned him the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award, recognizing his dominance in the longest format. Additionally, he was honored with the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year, further cementing his status as one of the best bowlers of his generation. With his unique bowling action and unmatched ability to bowl under pressure, Bumrah continues to be a cornerstone of India’s success in all formats.Gukesh DommarajuDate of Birth: 29 May 2006 Place of Birth: Chennai Sport: ChessMajor Achievements in 2024:- Peak FIDE Rating: 2794 (October 2024)- Winner of Candidates Tournament- 45th Chess Olympiad Gold (Team)- 45th Chess Olympiad Gold (Individual)- World Chess Championship winnerBorn on 29 May 2006 in Chennai, Gukesh Dommaraju has established himself as one of the brightest stars in chess. He reached his peak FIDE rating of 2794 in October 2024, marking him as one of the world’s top players. His biggest achieve- ment came when he won the Candidates Tournament, securing his spot in the World Chess Championship, where he emerged victorious, becoming the new world champion. Additionally, Gukesh contributed to India’s success at the 45th Chess Olympiad, winning team gold and individual gold. His meteoric rise in the chess world has made him a national sensation, and he continues to inspire young chess players in India with his exceptional talent and determination.Manu BhakerDate of Birth: February 18, 2002Place of Birth: Goria, HaryanaSport: Shooting (10m AP and 25m Pistol)Major Achievements in 2024:- Bronze Medal at the Paris Olympics in 10m air pistol individual- Bronze medal at the Paris Olympics in 10m air pistol mixed team- First Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal- First Indian athlete to win two medals in the same edition of the Olympics- Awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel RatnaBorn on 18 February 2002 in Goria, Haryana, Manu Bhaker has made history as one of India’s most successful shooters. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she won two bronze medals—one in the 10m air pistol individual event and another in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. She became the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal and also the first Indian athlete to win two medals in the same edition of the Olympics. Her remarkable achievements earned her the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honor. With her sharp focus, precision, and determination, Manu has cemented her place as one of the finest shooters in Indian sports history.
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