India’s biggest and brightest sporting stars will be under one roof at the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2023 which will be held in Lucknow on February 23, 2024. Honouring the top Indian athletes and their relentless pursuit for excellence, the sixth edition of TOISA will award the stars who shone the brightest in 2023. The theme of the awards, #MoreSweatMoreGlory, is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes across different sports.
The assessment period for the awards was from January 1 to December 31, 2023, and the list of award winners was drawn by the eminent TOISA 2023 Jury chaired by Adille Sumariwalla, who heads the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and is the vice-president of World Athletics. Under the chairmanship of Adille, the TOISA 2023 Jury comprised of former long-jumper and senior vice-president of AFI, Anju Bobby George; badminton coach and two-time Padma awardee Pullela Gopichand; Olympic medal-winning wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt; Olympic medallist shooter and Indian Olympic Association vice-president Gagan Narang; Paralympic medallist and Padma Shri awardee Deepa Malik; Olympic medal-winning weightlifter Karnam Malleswari; and Zafar Iqbal, member of India’s gold medal-winning hockey team at the 1980 Olympics.
The TOISA 2023 nominees from the football category include:
1. Lallianzuala Chhangte: Known for his skills, pace, and goal-scoring prowess, Chhangte has made a name for himself in Indian football. He played a crucial role in helping India win three international trophies in 2023.
2. Naorem Mahesh Singh: A key player for the Indian Super League club East Bengal, Singh has impressed with his goal-scoring ability and agility on the field. He scored multiple goals for the national team in 2023.
3. Sunil Chhetri: Considered one of the greatest footballers in Indian history, Chhetri is known for his goal-scoring prowess and leadership skills. He has represented India in multiple international tournaments, contributing significantly to the team’s success in 2023.
4. Anju Tamang: Playing as a forward, Tamang has contributed to India’s victories in the SAFF Championship and the SAG Games. She has been an important player for the Indian women’s national team.
5. Renu Rani: Rani, a talented player from Haryana, has made a name for herself in Indian football. She has scored crucial goals for the national team in 2023 and continues to break barriers in the sport.
6. Sandhiya Ranganathan: Known for her goal-scoring ability and attacking contributions, Ranganathan has represented the Indian women’s national football team. She has overcome challenges and made her mark in the sport.
These footballers have displayed exceptional skills and dedication, earning their nominations for the top honors at TOISA 2023. Their performances have not only brought glory to Indian football but also inspired aspiring players across the country.
For more details about the TOISA 2023 nominees and their achievements, you can read the full article [here](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/others/toisa-2023-nominees-footballers-in-the-fray-for-top-honours/articleshow/107815336.cms).
