Smriti Mandhana wins BBC Indian Sportswoman of Year 2025

Key facts

• Smriti Mandhana was named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025 for her key role in India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup victory.
• Chess player Divya Deshmukh (20) received the Emerging Player award after her FIDE Women’s World Cup win.
• Preethi Pal won Para-Sportswoman award for two bronze medals at 2024 Paris Paralympics in track and field.
• Anjali Bhagwat received Lifetime Achievement Award as India’s first woman shooter to reach an Olympic final.
• Award winners were chosen by jury of Leander Paes, Deepa Malik and Anju Bobby George.
• BBC Star Performers 2025: Indian Women’s Cricket Team, Ekta Bhyan, Deepthi Jeevanji, Preethi Pal, Indian Women’s Cricket Team for the Blind, Indian Women’s Kabaddi Team.
• BBC Changemakers 2025: Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team, Rajbir Kaur, Savita Punia, Paani Devi.