NEW DELHI: 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 be award the stars who shone the brightest in 2023.
The theme of the awards -- #MoreSweatMoreGlory -- is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of our athletes and para-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.
Here's a look at the equestrians stars (men and women) nominated for the award.
Men
Anush Agarwalla
Date of Birth: November 23, 1999
Place of Birth: Kolkata
Sport: Equestrian
Major Achievements in 2023:
Won gold in Dressage team event at Asian Games
Won bronze in Dressage individual event at Asian Games
Anush, the accomplished dressage rider, made history at the Asian Games, riding on his horse Etro, by securing a gold in the Dressage team event and a bronze in the Dressage individual event. His exceptional skill and precision in equestrian sports earned him the distinction of winning the first-ever individual dressage medal for India at the Asiad. Anush's groundbreaking achievement not only highlighted his personal excellence but also marked a significant milestone for Indian equestrian sports. His dedication, expertise, and historic wins have not only brought pride to the nation but have also paved the way for future successes in the challenging realm of dressage.
Hriday Chheda
Date of Birth: July 24, 1998
Place of Birth: Mumbai
Sport: Equestrian
Major Achievements in 2023:
Won gold in Dressage team event at Asian Games
Hriday, an exceptional dressage rider, showcased his prowess by clinching gold in the Dressage team event at the Asian Games. However, a twist of fate unfolded in the individual dressage competition at the Hangzhou Asian Games when an unfortunate injury to his horse, Emerald, prevented him from securing a seemingly certain gold medal. Hriday's resilience in the face of adversity and his commitment to the sport remain commendable, as he navigated challenges with skill and determination. His achievements and sportsmanship have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the equestrian community, reflecting both triumphs and the unpredictable nature of competitive sports.
FEMALE
Date of Birth: October 22, 1999
Place of Birth: Jaipur
Sport: Equestrian
Major Achievements in 2023:
Divyakriti, a trailblazing equestrian, secured gold in the Dressage team event at the Asian Games, showcasing her exceptional skill and contribution to the sport. Her historic achievements extended beyond the arena, as she made history by becoming the first Indian woman to be honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award in Equestrian for outstanding performance in sports in 2023. Divyakriti's dedication, talent, and groundbreaking success not only elevate her personal accomplishments but also inspire future generations of women in India to pursue excellence in equestrian sports, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's sporting landscape.
Sudipti Hajela
Date of Birth: May 10, 2002
Place of Birth: Indore
Sport: Equestrian
Major Achievements in 2023:
Sudipti, a remarkable equestrian talent, won gold in the Dressage team event at the Asian Games, showcasing her exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. Her stellar performance contributed significantly to the team's success, highlighting her ability to excel in the precision and artistry of dressage.
