Prasad Sanya, Group Business Director, TOI, Indiatimes and WhatsHot LUCKNOW: The eighth edition of the Tech Word News Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025 was held in grand style in Lucknow on Saturday, celebrating the indefatigable spirit and excellence of India’s best sportspersons. Amidst a gathering of sporting legends, Olympic heroes and rising stars, Prasad Sanyal, Group Business Head of TOI, Indiatimes and WhatsHot, delivered a rousing opening speech that highlighted the evolution of the award ceremony into a national movement.Welcoming the esteemed audience in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, Sanyal emphasized that TOISA has become a cornerstone of the Indian sports calendar. “When we first conceptualized the Tech Word News Sports Awards years ago, we had a simple yet powerful vision – to create a platform that truly celebrates the spirit of Indian sports,” noted Sanyal. “Not just the victory, not just the medals, but the journey, the struggle, the sweat and the unwavering determination that defines the story of every athlete.”This year’s theme, “More Sweat More Glory,” served as the focal point of the evening. Sanyal emphasized that the awards presented on stage are only the tip of the iceberg, representing years of unseen sacrifice.“Fame doesn’t come easily. It comes from countless hours in the gym when no one is watching. It comes from early morning workouts when the world is still asleep. It comes from getting up after every fall, every defeat, every setback and saying to yourself: One more time.” That’s what our athletes do. Day after day. Year after year. And tonight we honor that spirit,” he said. The awards ceremony in Lucknow for the third consecutive year, Sanyal recognized the growing role of the host state as a nursery for champions. He remarked that the transformation of Uttar Pradesh’s sports landscape was “remarkable”, before the honorable Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath arrived to grace the occasion.Appreciating the elite panel of legends like Leander Paes, Mithali Raj, Abhinav Bindra, Devendra Jhajharia, Sharath Kamal and PR Sreejesh, Sanyal noted that their presence bridges the gap between past glory and future potential.In a touching moment of his speech, Sanyal paid a special tribute to the para-athletes present. “To our para-athletes, you are champions of the human spirit. Your courage and resilience teach us what true strength really means,” he said, reiterating TOI’s commitment to sports as a source of national inspiration rather than mere entertainment.Sanyal ended his speech with a call to light a fire in the next generation and kicked off the celebration: “Let’s make this a night to remember. We cheer for our champions. Let’s celebrate their sweat, their glory and their incredible journey! Thank you and let’s have a great night! Jai Hind!”
