TOISA 2024: Honouring India's finest para athletes and coaches

NEW DELHI: India's para-athletes have redefined perseverance and excellence, overcoming challenges to shine on the global stage. Their grit, talent, and unwavering spirit have earned them nominations for the prestigious Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2024 in recognition of their outstanding achievements.
With February 22 fast approaching, all eyes are on the Para Sportsperson of the Year award, which will celebrate an athlete who has pushed past barriers and inspired a nation. The winners will be honored at a grand ceremony in Lucknow, the historic ‘City of Nawabs.'
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
The assessment period for the awards was from January 1 to December 31, 2024, and the list of award winners was drawn by the eminent TOISA 2024 Jury.
Here are the nominees for Para-sportsperson of the year:
Sumit Antil
Date of Birth: June 7, 1998
Place of Birth: Sonipat, Haryana
Sport: Para Athletics
Event: Javelin Throw
Major Achievements in 2024:
- Won gold at World Para Athletics Championships
- Won gold at Paris Paralympics
Antil has etched his name in history by winning back-to-back gold medals at the World Para Athletics Championships and the Paralympics. His remarkable achievements in the world of para athletics have made him a global sensation.
Antil clinched the gold at the Paris Games, setting a new Paralympic Record with a stunning 70.59m effort in the javelin throw F64 category.
Antil, known for his exceptional skill in the javelin throw, triumphed in both prestigious events, securing top honours and cementing his status as one of India's greatest para-athletes.
Antil's successive gold medals showcase not only his talent and dedication but also his relentless pursuit of excellence, inspiring athletes worldwide.
Here are the nominees for Para Coach of the Year:
Subhash Rana
Date of Birth: September, 1978
Place of Birth: NA
Sport: Para Shooting
Subhash Rana has coached several exceptional para-athletes, including Manish Narwal, Rubina Francis, Singhraj, and Avani Lekhara. Under his guidance, these athletes have secured medals at the 2021 and 2024 Paralympic Games, the 2022 World Championship, multiple World Cups from 2021 to 2024, and the 2023 Asian Para Games. In recognition of his remarkable contributions to coaching, Subhash Rana was honoured with the prestigious Dronacharya Award in 2024. This honour stands as a testament to his profound impact on Indian shooting and his lasting legacy as a mentor for future generations.
Rajendra
Date of Birth: September, 1978
Place of Birth: NA
Sport: Para Shooting
In 2024, para-badminton coach Rajendra guided his athletes to remarkable successes on the international stage. Under his mentorship, Nitesh Kumar clinched the gold medal in the men's singles SL3 category at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Additionally, Thulasimathi Murugesan secured a silver medal in the women's singles SU5 event at the same Paralympic Games. These outstanding performances underscore Rajendra's significant contributions to para-badminton in India.
Arun Kumar
Date of Birth: NA
Place of Birth: NA
Sport: Para Athletics
In 2024, Arun Kumar, coach of para javelin thrower Sumit Antil, played a pivotal role in guiding his athlete to remarkable achievements. Under Arun's mentorship, Sumit successfully defended his Paralympic title at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, setting a new Paralympic record with a throw of 70.59 meters in the men's javelin F64 category.