Smriti Mandhana named BBC Indian Sportswoman of Year 2025; Divya Deshmukh, Preeti Pal and Anjali Bhagwat also honoured
Divya Deshmukh named BBC Emerging Player of the Year after scripting history by winning FIDE Women’s World Cup at just 20 years of age
PTC Web Desk: India’s leading women athletes were celebrated at the sixth edition of the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year (ISWOTY) Awards 2025, with cricketer Smriti Mandhana receiving the top honour.
Smriti Mandhana, vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, was chosen as the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025 by a distinguished grand jury comprising Leander Paes, Deepa Malik and Anju Bobby George.
The 29-year-old left-handed batter has already established herself among the modern greats of women’s cricket. She currently ranks second on the list of players with the most centuries in Women’s One Day Internationals and stands third among active players globally in terms of total runs scored in the format.
Accepting the award, Smriti Mandhana thanked the BBC for the recognition and described 2025 as a landmark year for women’s cricket. She highlighted India’s World Cup triumph at the end of the season and said she was proud to have contributed to the team’s success.
Other major award winners
The ceremony also recognised excellence across multiple disciplines:
Divya Deshmukh was named BBC Emerging Player of the Year after scripting history by winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup at just 20 years of age.
Preeti Pal received the BBC Para-Sportswoman of the Year award for winning two bronze medals in track and field at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Anjali Bhagwat was honoured with the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her distinguished shooting career. Anjali Bhagwat made history as the first Indian woman shooter to reach an Olympic final and enjoyed sustained international success.
Star performers and changemakers recognised
The awards also celebrated teams and individuals whose achievements have reshaped the sporting landscape:
BBC Star Performers of the Year 2025
- The Indian Women’s Cricket Team for its historic World Cup victory.
- Para-athletes Ekta Bhyan, Deepti Jeevanji and Preeti Pal for their strong showing at the World Para Athletics Championships.
- The Indian Women’s Cricket Team for the Blind for its inspirational World Cup win.
- The Indian Women’s Kabaddi Team for its impressive World Cup triumph.
BBC Changemakers of the Year 2025
- The Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team for breaking new ground in a non-traditional sport.
- Rajbir Kaur, former captain of the Indian women’s field hockey team.
- Savita Punia, current member of the national women’s hockey squad.
- Paani Devi for her impactful grassroots contribution to sports development.
Congratulating the winners, Jonathan Munro, CEO of BBC News, said the awardees exemplify excellence and determination in sport. He reiterated the BBC World Service’s commitment to bringing inspiring stories of achievement from India to global audiences.