Mandhana named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year

World Cup-winning cricketer Smriti Mandhana has been named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025.

Mandhana, 29, was India’s vice-captain as they won the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, scoring 434 runs across the tournament.

Also nominated for the award were India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, chess champion Divya Deshmukh, shooter Suruchi Singh and hurdler Jyothi Yarraji.

Accepting the award, Mandhana reflected on a “special year” for women’s cricket

“Thank you BBC for giving me the award for Best Sportswoman of the Year,” she said.

“I’m happy I could contribute and help India win matches.”

Mandhana was chosen by a distinguished grand jury comprising Grand Slam tennis champion Leander Paes, Paralympic medallist Deepa Malik and World Championship long-jump medallist Anju Bobby George.

Mandhana made her debut for India aged 16 and has scored 17 international centuries across the three formats of the game – a record she shares with Australia’s Meg Lanning.

Three other trailblazing female athletes were also honoured at the ISWOTY awards ceremony at the Taj Palace hotel in Delhi.

Chess champion Divya Deshmukh was named BBC Emerging Player of the Year after winning the Women’s World Cup at the age of 20.

Divya is just the fourth Indian woman to become a chess grandmaster.

Preethi Pal was named BBC Para Sportswoman of the Year after winning two medals at the 2025 World Championships in New Delhi.

The 25-year-old from Uttar Pradesh had previously won two bronze medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games.

Shooter Anjali Bhagwat was given the BBC ISWOTY Lifetime Achievement award.

Praising the athletes’ achievements and reaffirming the BBC’s commitment to spotlighting Indian women’s sport, CEO of BBC News Jonathan Munro said: “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.”

The ceremony also celebrated ‘Star Performers’ and ‘Changemakers’ whose contributions continue to redefine the landscape of Indian sport.

BBC Star Performers of the Year 2025

BBC Changemakers of the Year 2025

BBC ISWOTY is managed and produced by Collective Newsroom.

Rupa Jha, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Collective Newsroom said: “Sport belongs to everyone, and its true power lies not only in victories but in the opportunities it creates.