NEW DELHI: Over the past year, Indian badminton players have delivered standout performances on the international stage, earning their place as top contenders for the prestigious Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2024. Celebrated for their outstanding performances, they are set to compete for top honours across men’s, women’s, and para badminton categories.
With February 22 drawing closer, excitement builds for the much-awaited announcement of the Shuttler of the Year award, set to take place in a grand ceremony in Lucknow, the famed ‘City of Nawabs.’
Below are the badminton players who have been nominated for the TOISA 2024
Badminton Player of the Year Men
Lakshya Sen
Date of Birth: August 16, 2001
Place of Birth: Almora, Uttarakhand
Sport: Badminton
Major Achievements in 2024
– 2024: Syed Modi International (men’s singles) – Gold
– 2024: King Cup International (men’s singles) – Bronze
– 2024: Lakshya became the first Indian male shuttler to reach the
– Semi-finals of the men’s singles event at Paris Olympics
Lakshya Sen, born on August 16, 2001, in Almora, Uttarakhand, has emerged as a prominent figure in Indian badminton. In 2024, he clinched gold at the Syed Modi International and bronze at the King Cup International, showcasing his consistent brilliance. His crowning achievement came at the Paris Olympics, where he made history as the first Indian male shuttler to reach the semi-finals of the men’s singles event. Known for his agility and precision on the court, Lakshya continues to inspire a new generation of Indian badminton players with his remarkable performances on the international stage.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy
Date of Birth: August 13, 2000
Place of Birth: Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh
Sport: Badminton
Major Achievements in 2024
– 2024: French Open Super 750 (men’s doubles) – Gold
– 2024: Thailand Super 500 (men’s doubles) – Gold
– 2024: Malaysia Super 1000 (men’s doubles) – Silver
– 2024: India Super 750 (men’s doubles) – Silver
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, born on August 13, 2000, in Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, has solidified his position as a top doubles player in Indian badminton. In 2024, he achieved remarkable success with his partner Chirag Shetty, securing gold at the French Open Super 750 and Thailand Super 500. He also claimed silver at the prestigious Malaysia Super 1000 and India Super 750, showcasing consistency at the highest level. Renowned for his powerful smashes and exceptional net play, Satwik continues to elevate Indian badminton on the global stage.
Chirag Shetty
Date of Birth: July 4, 1997
Place of Birth: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Sport: Badminton
Major Achievements in 2024
– 2024: French Open Super 750 (men’s doubles) – Gold
– 2024: Thailand Super 500 (men’s doubles) – Gold
– 2024: Malaysia Super 1000 (men’s doubles) – Silver
– 2024: India Super 750 (men’s doubles) – Silver
Chirag Shetty, born on July 4, 1997, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, has emerged as one of India’s leading badminton doubles players. In 2024, Shetty, alongside his partner Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, clinched gold at the French Open Super 750 and Thailand Super 500, further cementing their dominance in men’s doubles. They also secured silver medals at the Malaysia Super 1000 and India Super 750, proving their consistency across major tournaments. Known for his exceptional technique and agility, Chirag continues to play a pivotal role in elevating Indian badminton on the world stage.
Rithvik Sanjeevi
Date of Birth: May 15, 2003
Place of Birth: Tamil Nadu, India
Sport: Badminton
Major Achievements in 2024
– 2024: Odisha Masters Super 100 (men’s singles) – Gold
– 2024: Sri Lanka International (men’s singles) – Silver
– 2024: India International (men’s singles) – Silver
Rithvik Sanjeevi, born on May 15, 2003, in Tamil Nadu, India, has emerged as a rising star in Indian badminton. In 2024, he made a mark with a gold medal in the men’s singles at the Odisha Masters Super 100, showcasing his potential on the international circuit. He also secured silver medals at both the Sri Lanka International and India International tournaments, demonstrating his consistency and competitive edge. Known for his determination and skill, Rithvik’s impressive performances in men’s singles reflect his growing stature in Indian badminton, with promising prospects for his future in the sport.
Badminton Player of the Year Women
Anmol Kharb
Date of Birth: January 20, 2007
Place of Birth: Faridabad, Haryana
Sport: Badminton
Major Achievements in 2024:
– 2024: Asia Team Championships (Women’s team) – GOLD
– 2024: Guwahati Masters Super 100 (Women’s singles) – SILVER
– 2024: Polish International (Women’s singles) – GOLD
– 2024: Belgian International (Women’s singles) – GOLD
Anmol Kharb, born on January 20, 2007, in Faridabad, Haryana, has been making waves in Indian badminton. In 2024, she played a pivotal role in helping India win gold at the Asia Team Championships in the women’s team event. Individually, Anmol showcased her exceptional talent by securing a silver medal at the Guwahati Masters Super 100. She further solidified her reputation with gold medals at the Polish International and Belgian International in women’s singles. Known for her agility and determination, Anmol’s performances in 2024 highlight her as one of the brightest young talents in Indian badminton.
PV Sindhu
Date of Birth: July 5, 1995
Place of Birth: Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
Sport: Badminton
Major Achievements in 2024:
– 2024: Asia Team Championships (Women’s team) – GOLD
– 2024: Syed Modi International (Women’s singles) – GOLD
– 2024: Malaysia Masters (Women’s singles) – SILVER
The two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu continues to be one of India’s most celebrated badminton players. In 2024, she played a key role in helping India secure gold at the Asia Team Championships in the women’s team event. Individually, Sindhu clinched the gold medal in women’s singles at the Syed Modi International, further asserting her dominance. She also earned a silver medal at the Malaysia Masters, showcasing her consistency at top-tier tournaments. Known for her powerful gameplay and resilience, Sindhu remains a leading figure in global badminton, inspiring athletes across the world.
Gayatri Gopichand
Date of Birth: March 4, 2003
Place of Birth: Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
Sport: Badminton
Major Achievements in 2024:
– 2024: Asia Team Championships (Women’s team) – GOLD
– 2024: Syed Modi International (Women’s doubles) – GOLD
Gayatri Gopichand, born on March 4, 2003, in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, is making significant strides in Indian badminton. The daughter of legendary shuttler Pullela Gopichand, Gayatri has showcased her immense talent on the international stage. In 2024, she played a crucial role in helping India secure a gold medal at the Asia Team Championships in the women’s team event. She further added to her medal tally by winning the gold in women’s doubles at the Syed Modi International. Known for her sharp skills and determination, Gayatri continues to rise as a promising star in the world of badminton.
Treesa Jolly
Date of Birth: May 27, 2003
Place of Birth: Cherupuzha, Kerala
Sport: Badminton
Major Achievements in 2024:
– 2024: Asia Team Championships (Women’s team) – GOLD
– 2024: Syed Modi International (Women’s doubles) – GOLD
Treesa Jolly, born on May 27, 2003, in Cherupuzha, Kerala, has emerged as a key player in Indian badminton. In 2024, she contributed significantly to India’s success at the Asia Team Championships, helping the team secure a gold medal in the women’s team event. Additionally, Treesa clinched the gold in women’s doubles at the Syed Modi International, marking another milestone in her promising career. Known for her agility and strong court presence, Treesa’s achievements reflect her dedication and potential, positioning her as one of the most exciting young talents in Indian badminton.
Para Badminton Player of the Year-Men
Nitesh Kumar
Date of Birth: December 30, 1994
Place of Birth: Bas Kirtan, Rajasthan
Sport: Para Badminton
Category: SL3 (Singles) and SL3–SL4 (Doubles & Mixed Doubles)
Major Achievements in 2024:
Singles
– Won gold at Paris Paralympics
– Won bronze at World Championships
– Won gold at Spanish Para Badminton International I – Won gold at Spanish Para Badminton International II – Won silver at 4 Nations Para Badminton International
Mixed Doubles
– Won gold at Spanish Para Badminton International I
– Won gold at Spanish Para Badminton International II
Nitesh Kumar has established himself as one of India’s brightest stars in para badminton. Competing in the SL3 (singles) and SL3-SL4 (doubles & mixed doubles) categories, Nitesh has had a phenomenal 2024, achieving success across multiple prestigious tournaments. The highlight of Nitesh’s career came at the Paris Paralympics 2024, where he clinched the gold medal in the SL3 singles category, bringing immense pride to the nation. Additionally, Nitesh showcased his skill and consistency by securing a bronze medal at the World Championships, further demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure at the highest level. His 2024 season was marked by a string of victories, including gold medals at both the Spanish Para Badminton International I and II in the SL3 singles category. He also earned a silver medal at the 4 Nations Para Badminton International, underscoring his versatility and resilience. In mixed doubles, Nitesh along with Thulasimathi Murugesan continued to shine, winning gold at both Spanish Para Badminton International tournaments, further expanding his medal tally. Nitesh plays in the SL 3 category in which the shuttlers with significant lower limb disabilities. The 30-year-old’s life took a drastic turn in 2009 after he lost his left leg in a train accident in Visakhapatnam
Suhas Yathiraj
Date of Birth: July 2, 1983
Place of Birth: Hassan, Karnataka
Sport: Para Badminton
Category: SL4 (Singles) and SL3-SL4 (Doubles)
Major Achievements in 2024:
Singles
– Won silver at Paris Paralympics
– Won gold at World Championships
Suhas Yathiraj is a trailblazer in para badminton, excelling in the SL4 (singles) and SL3-SL4 (doubles) categories. Balancing his career as a dedicated civil servant and an elite athlete, Suhas has consistently showcased exceptional talent and determination on the international stage. In 2024, Suhas achieved incredible success, winning the silver medal in the SL4 singles category at the Paris Paralympics. He also became the first Indian badminton player to win medals at both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Adding to his accolades, Suhas secured a gold medal at the World Championships, reaffirming his dominance in the SL4 singles category. Suhas’s journey exemplifies the power of dedication, resilience, and excellence, making him a role model both on and off the court. Athletes in the SL4 class compete standing with less severe impairment than in the SL3 class. SL4 athletes demonstrate lower limb impairment and minor balance problems walking or running.
Para Badminton Player of the Year – Women
Thulasimathi Murugesan
Date of Birth: April 11, 2002
Place of Birth: Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu
Sport: Para Badminton
Category: SU5 (Singles) and SL3-SU5 (Doubles & Mixed Doubles)
Major Achievements in 2024:
Singles
– Won silver at Paris Paralympics
Doubles
– Won silver at World Championships
Thulasimathi Murugesan is a rising Indian star in para badminton. Competing in the SU5 (singles) and SL3-SU5 (doubles and mixed doubles) categories, she has shown remarkable resilience and determination, overcoming significant physical challenges to achieve excellence in the sport. In 2024, Thulasimathi delivered an extraordinary performance at the Paris Paralympics, winning the silver medal in the SU5 singles category. Her achievement on this prestigious global stage highlighted her skill, hard work, and unwavering commitment to success. Her doubles performance was equally commendable, as she clinched a silver medal, partnering Manasi Joshi, at the World Championships in Pattaya, competing in the SL3-SU5 category. Training at the prestigious Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad, Thulasimathi continues to refine her skills under the mentorship of some of the finest coaches in the country. Competing in the SU5 category, designated for players with upper limb impairments, she has transformed her challenges into a source of strength and resilience. Born with a congenital deformity in her left hand that led to the absence of her thumb and chronic ulnar neuritis, Thulasimathi experienced muscle atrophy and restricted mobility from an early age. Her challenges were compounded by a major accident, which further impaired the movement of her left hand, making both extension and flexion significantly difficult.
Manisha Ramadass
Date of Birth: January 27, 2005
Place of Birth: Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu
Sport: Para Badminton
Category: SU5 (Singles) and SL3–SU5 (Doubles & Mixed Doubles)
Major Achievements in 2024:
Singles
– Won bronze at Paris Paralympics
– Won silver at World Championships
Doubles
– Won bronze at World Championships
Mixed Doubles
– Won bronze at World Championships
Manisha Ramadass is an emerging Indian star in para badminton, competing in the SU5 (singles) and SL3-SU5 (doubles and mixed doubles) categories. Known for her relentless determination and skill, Manisha has established herself as a promising talent on the global stage. In 2024, she delivered an impressive performance at the Paris Paralympics, securing a bronze medal in the SU5 singles category. Her achievement highlighted her dedication and ability to compete at the highest level. At the World Championships, Manisha’s brilliance shone through as she won a silver medal in singles, further cementing her status as a top contender in para badminton. Additionally, she claimed two bronze medals in doubles and mixed doubles, showcasing her versatility and teamwork. Manisha’s remarkable achievements at such a young age are an inspiration to aspiring athletes across India, exemplifying resilience and excellence. Manisha made history as the first Indian woman to win a badminton medal at the Paralympics. The 19-year-old secured her maiden medal at the prestigious quadrennial event, etching her name in the annals of Indian badminton history. Born with Erb’s Palsy, Manisha turned her challenges into a source of strength, channeling her determination and passion into excelling in para-badminton.
Nithya Sre Sivan
Date of Birth: January 7, 2005
Place of Birth: Karur, Tamil Nadu
Sport: Para Badminton
Category: SH6
Major Achievements in 2024:
Singles
– Won bronze at Paris Paralympics
Nithya Sre Sivan is a rising Indian star in para badminton, competing in the SH6 category. Known for her exceptional determination and skill, Nithya has quickly made a name for herself in the world of para sports. In 2024, Nithya achieved a historic milestone by winning a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics in the SH6 singles category. Nithya’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, as she continues to break barriers and inspire others with disabilities to reach for their goals. The SH6 category is for the athletes who have a short stature and can compete while standing. The ‘SH’ stands for “standing/short stature”. At just 19 years old, she has already set a high standard for herself and is poised to make even greater strides in the future.
Manasi Joshi
Date of Birth: June 11, 1989
Place of Birth: Rajkot, Gujarat
Sport: Para Badminton
Category: SL3 (Singles) and SL3–SU5 (Doubles & Mixed Doubles)
Major Achievements in 2024:
Singles
– Won bronze at World Championships
Doubles
– Won silver at World Championships
Star Indian shuttler Manasi Joshi is a prominent figure in para badminton, competing in the SL3 (singles) and SL3-SU5 (doubles and mixed doubles) categories. In December 2011, she met with a road accident while riding her motorbike to work, and her leg had to be amputated. Her journey is a source of inspiration, demonstrating that perseverance and dedication can overcome any obstacle. In 2024, Manasi achieved remarkable success at the World Championships, winning a bronze medal in the SL3 singles category. Her strong performance highlighted her skill and commitment to competing at the highest level. Additionally, she secured a silver medal in the SL3-SU5 doubles event, showcasing her excellent teamwork and versatility on the court. Manasi’s achievements at the 2024 World Championships further cement her reputation as one of India’s top para badminton players.