In a historic first for the Oscars of Sport, tennis legend Novak Djokovic and freestyle skiing sensation Eileen Gu will co-host the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards. The announcement sets the stage for a landmark ceremony at Madrid’s Palacio de Cibeles on April 20, where the India 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 show on the sporting calendar. Djokovic, a record-equalling five-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, and Gu, the 2023 Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year, underline the ceremony’s reputation as the Athletes Awards.
Djokovic, who has won a record 24 Grand Slam titles, expressed his excitement about the new role. “The Laureus World Sports Awards celebrate the power of sport to make a difference. It is a unique opportunity to mix with athletes from other sports, and I am delighted to be hosting with Eileen, a remarkable athlete who understands the mission of Laureus.”
Gu added: “To now be 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 selected by the 69 legends of the Laureus World Sports Academy and revealed during the gala event this Monday.
HARMANPREET KAUR’S TEAM EYES BIG PRIZE
For Indian fans, the spotlight remains firmly on the Women in Blue. Following their historic maiden ICC Women’s World Cup triumph in November 2025-featuring a record-breaking chase of 339 against Australia-the side has become the first women’s cricket team ever to be nominated for the World Team of the Year.
“This nomination is a matter of immense pride for Indian Cricket,” said BCCI President Mithun Manhas. “Our women’s team has demonstrated extraordinary skill and consistency. To be recognised alongside some of the most celebrated teams in global sport underscores their growing stature.”
The Indian squad faces stiff competition from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, following their maiden UEFA Champions League crown, and the McLaren Formula One team.
Laureus World Sports Awards 2026: The Nominees
World Team of the Year
- India Women’s National Cricket Team
- Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) – Football
- McLaren – Formula One
- 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) – Football
- 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) – Football
- Aryna Sabalenka (N/A) – Tennis
- Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (USA) – Athletics
World Breakthrough of the Year
- Luke Littler (UK) – Darts
- Lando Norris (UK) – Formula One
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (USA) – Basketball
- Dsir Dou (France) – Football
- Joo Fonseca (Brazil) – Tennis
- Yu Zidi (China) – Swimming
World Comeback of the Year
- Yulimar Rojas (Venezuela) – Athletics
- Rory McIlroy (UK) – Golf
- Leah Williamson (UK) – Football
- Simon Yates (UK) – Cycling
- Egan Bernal (Colombia) – Cycling
- Amanda Anisimova (USA) – Tennis
Action Sportsperson of the Year
- Chloe Kim (USA) – Snowboarding
- Rayssa Leal (Brazil) – Skateboarding
- Kilian Jornet.
– Ends
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