Tennis legend Novak Djokovic and freestyle skiing sensation Eileen Gu will co-host the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards in the first ever sports Oscars. The announcement paves the way for a ceremony at Madrid’s Palacio de Cibeles on April 20, where the Indian women’s national cricket team will look to secure the World Team of the Year trophy.
Never before have two active athletes shared hosting duties for the most prestigious awards ceremony in the sporting calendar. Djokovic, a record five-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, and Gu, Laureus World Action Sportsman of the Year 2023, underline the ceremony’s reputation as an Athletes Awards.
Djokovic, who has won a record 24 Grand Slam titles, expressed his excitement at the new role. “The Laureus World Sports Awards celebrate the power of sport to make a difference. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with athletes from other sports and I’m delighted to be co-hosting with Eileen, a remarkable athlete who understands the mission of Laureus.”
Gu added: “To now be a part of the show as a host alongside Novak – someone whose journey I’ve admired for so long – is a real honour.”
The winners will be chosen by 69 Laureus World Sports Academy legends and revealed during a gala dinner this Monday.
HARMANPREET KAUR’S TEAM EYES GRAND PRIZE
For Indian fans, the focus remains on the Women in Blue. After their historic maiden ICC Women’s World Cup triumph in November 2025 with a record chase of 339 against Australia, the team became the first ever women’s cricket team to be nominated for the World Team of the Year.
“This nomination is a matter of immense pride for Indian Cricket,” BCCI President Mithun Manhas said. “Our women’s team has shown exceptional skill and consistency. To be recognized alongside some of the most famous teams in world sport underlines their growing stature.”
The Indian team faces stiff competition from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain after their maiden UEFA Champions League title and the McLaren Formula 1 team.
Laureus World Sports Awards 2026: The Nominees
World Team of the Year
- Indian women’s national cricket team
- Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) – Soccer
- McLaren – Formula 1
- England women’s national football team
- Oklahoma City Thunder – Basketball
- Ryder Cup Team Europe – Golf
World Sportsman of the Year
- Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis (Sweden) – Athletics
- Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) – tennis
- Jannik Sinner (Italy) – tennis
- Ousmane Dembl (France) – Soccer
- Marc Mrquez (Spain) – MotoGP
- Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia) – Cycling
World Sportswoman of the Year
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) – athletics
- Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) – Athletics
- Katie Ledecky (USA) – Swimming
- Aitana Bonmat (Spain) – Soccer
- Aryna Sabalenka (N/A) – Tennis
- Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (USA) – athletics
World breakthrough of the year
- Luke Littler (UK) – Darts
- Lando Norris (UK) – Formula 1
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (USA) – Basketball
- Dsir Dou (France) – Soccer
- Joo Fonseca (Brazil) – tennis
- Yu Zidi (China) – Swimming
World comeback of the year
- Yulimar Rojas (Venezuela) – athletics
- Rory McIlroy (UK) – Golf
- Leah Williamson (UK) – Soccer
- Simon Yates (UK) – Cycling
- Egan Bernal (Colombia) – Cycling
- Amanda Anisimova (USA) – Tennis
Action Athlete of the Year
- Chloe Kim (USA) – Snowboarding
- Rayssa Leal (Brazil) – skateboarding
- Kilian Jornet.
– The end
Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
18 Apr 2026 16:51 IST
