The sixth edition of the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year Awards once again underlined the growing depth, diversity and dominance of Indian women in sport, as some of the country’s finest athletes were honoured for their achievements across disciplines ranging from cricket and chess to para-athletics and shooting.
At the centre of the evening was India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year (ISWOTY) 2025. The award was decided by a distinguished jury comprising Leander Paes, Deepa Malik and Anju Bobby George, all icons in their respective sports.
At 29, Mandhana has already carved out a place among the elite batters in women’s cricket. The elegant left-hander currently holds the second-highest number of centuries in women’s One Day Internationals and ranks third in total runs among active players worldwide. Her consistency at the top of the order and her ability to anchor as well as accelerate have made her one of the pillars of India’s batting unit.
Accepting the award, Mandhana reflected on a landmark year for women’s cricket. “Thank you BBC for giving me the award for Best Sportswoman of the Year. 2025 was a special year for women’s cricket, especially towards the end when we had the World Cup. I’m happy I could contribute and help India win matches,” she said.
The awards ceremony, however, was not just about one individual. It celebrated excellence across generations and sporting categories, recognising both established legends and rising stars.
Emerging and Para-Sport Excellence
Among the standout honourees was chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh, who was named BBC Emerging Player of the Year. At just 20, Divya scripted history by winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup, marking a breakthrough moment not just for herself but for Indian women’s chess. Her triumph signalled the arrival of a new generation ready to challenge the world’s best on the biggest stage.
In para-sport, sprinter Preethi Pal was named BBC Para-Sportswoman of the Year. Her campaign at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, where she claimed two bronze medals in track and field, represented a defining moment in Indian para-athletics. Preethi’s recognition at the awards underscores the expanding visibility and credibility of para-sport in India’s mainstream sporting discourse.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred upon shooting legend Anjali Bhagwat, a pioneer who paved the way for generations of Indian shooters. As the first Indian woman shooter to reach an Olympic final and a multiple-time world champion, Bhagwat’s career helped transform shooting from a niche sport into a consistent medal prospect for India on the global stage.
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Beyond individual accolades, the ceremony highlighted collective achievements that shaped India’s sporting narrative over the past year. The Indian Women’s Cricket Team was recognised as BBC Star Performers of the Year for their historic World Cup victory a triumph that further cemented women’s cricket as one of the fastest-growing sports properties in the country.
Ekta Bhyan, Deepthi Jeevanji and Preethi Pal were also honoured for their trailblazing performances at the World Para Athletics Championship, while the Indian Women’s Cricket Team for the Blind received recognition for their inspiring World Cup success.
India’s women’s kabaddi team, which clinched the World Cup in emphatic fashion, was similarly acknowledged, highlighting the growing competitiveness of women’s team sports beyond cricket.
The awards also shone a light on individuals and teams driving transformation in Indian sport. The Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team was recognised for breaking barriers in a non-traditional sport, especially in challenging climatic and infrastructural conditions.
Veteran field hockey players Rajbir Kaur and Savita Punia were acknowledged for their contributions to the sport, while Paani Devi was recognised for her impactful work at the grassroots level, reinforcing the idea that the future of Indian sport rests as much on community development as elite performance.
Jonathan Munro, CEO of BBC News, congratulated the winners and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to amplifying stories of excellence. “Congratulations to this year’s winners who showcase the very best in sporting excellence. The BBC World Service is committed to bringing such stories of human endeavour and outstanding success to audiences across India and around the world,” he said.
Rupa Jha, Editor-in-Chief and Co-founder of Collective Newsroom, which manages and produces the awards in India, emphasised the broader significance of the event. “Sport belongs to everyone, and its true power lies not only in victories but in the opportunities it creates. ISWOTY is a celebration of every woman who has stepped forward to break barriers and claim her rightful place on the field,” she noted.
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The BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year Awards have, over six editions, evolved into a barometer of progress in Indian women’s sport. From cricket and chess to para-athletics and ice hockey, the 2025 winners reflect a sporting ecosystem that is more inclusive, competitive and ambitious than ever before.
As India continues to invest in infrastructure, grassroots programmes and athlete development, the success stories celebrated at this year’s awards serve as both validation and motivation. They represent not isolated achievements but the steady rise of Indian women as global contenders and as role models for the next generation.
