Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has been named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025, recognizing her outstanding contribution to India’s historic Women’s World Cup victory. The award was presented at a grand ceremony in New Delhi on February 16, 2026. Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh also made headlines by winning the Emerging Player of the Year award for her FIDE Women’s World Cup triumph at just 20 years of age.
Smriti Mandhana’s Historic 2025 Season
- At 29, Smriti Mandhana played a pivotal role in India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup win, a landmark moment in Indian women’s cricket history.
- Mandhana, currently touring Australia with the Indian team, expressed gratitude in a video message, calling 2025 “a special year for women’s cricket.”
Her achievements include,
- Second-highest centuries in Women’s ODIs
- Third-highest total runs among current women cricketers
- Fastest 50-over international century (50 balls) by an Indian (men or women), breaking Virat Kohli’s record
- Hailing from Sangli, Maharashtra, Mandhana’s journey began under the guidance of her father and brother, both district-level cricketers.
Divya Deshmukh Wins Emerging Player Award
- Young chess sensation Divya Deshmukh won the Emerging Player of the Year award for her historic triumph at the FIDE Women’s World Cup at the age of 20.
- Her victory marked one of the biggest achievements in Indian women’s chess in recent years. The award highlights India’s growing dominance in global chess, especially among young talents.
- Divya’s win symbolizes the rise of a new generation of Indian sportswomen making global impact across disciplines beyond cricket.
Other Major Award Winners at BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025
The event celebrated excellence across multiple sports categories,
- Para-Sportswoman of the Year: Preethi Pal – Two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics (track and field).
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Anjali Bhagwat – India’s first woman shooter to reach an Olympic final.
BBC Star Performers of the Year
- Indian Women’s Cricket Team – Women’s World Cup victory
- Indian Women’s Cricket Team for the Blind – World Cup win
- Indian Women’s Kabaddi Team – World Cup champions
- Ekta Bhyan, Deepthi Jeevanji, Preethi Pal – Para Athletics achievements
BBC Changemakers of the Year
- Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team
- Rajbir Kaur
- Savita Punia
- Paani Devi
The winners were selected by a distinguished jury including Leander Paes, Deepa Malik, and Anju Bobby George.
Why This Award Matters for Indian Women’s Sports
The BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award has become one of the most respected recognitions for women athletes in India. It highlights not only performance but also impact and inspiration.
Mandhana’s win reflects,
- The growing global recognition of Indian women’s cricket
- Increasing investment and visibility in women’s sports
- Role models inspiring young girls across India
From cricket and chess to para-athletics and kabaddi, Indian sportswomen are redefining excellence.
Question
Q. Who was named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025?
A) Mithali Raj
B) Smriti Mandhana
C) Harmanpreet Kaur
D) Shafali Verma
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