Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has been named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025, recognising her outstanding contributions to Indian women’s cricket and her pivotal role in India’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph in 2025. The award was announced at a glittering ceremony held on Monday.
Mandhana, who is currently touring Australia with the Indian team for multi-format bilateral matches, expressed her gratitude in a video message. “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 we had a World Cup and I’m happy I could contribute and help India win matches,” she said.
At just 29 years old, Mandhana has already established herself among the greats of women’s cricket. She holds the second-highest number of centuries in women’s One Day Internationals and ranks third in total runs scored among active players globally.
Born in Sangli, Maharashtra, Mandhana was inspired to pursue cricket by her father and brother, both of whom played at the district level. In September last year, she created history by smashing a 50-ball century against Australia, becoming the fastest Indian (across men’s and women’s cricket) to score a century in the 50-over international format, surpassing Virat Kohli’s record.
Other Winners at the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year Awards
- Divya Deshmukh won the Emerging Player of the Year Award for her remarkable victory at the FIDE Women’s World Cup at just 20 years of age, marking a historic moment for Indian chess.
- Preethi Pal was honoured as the Para-Sportswoman of the Year after winning two bronze medals in track and field at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
- Anjali Bhagwat received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her pioneering role as India’s first woman shooter to reach an Olympic final and her trailblazing success in international shooting.
The award winners were selected by a distinguished grand jury that included Leander Paes, Deepa Malik, and Anju Bobby George.
Celebrating India’s Sporting Excellence
BBC News CEO Jonathan Munro congratulated the winners, saying the awards celebrate the very best in sporting excellence and human endeavour. He reaffirmed the BBC World Service’s commitment to highlighting inspiring stories from India and across the world.
The ceremony also celebrated athletes and changemakers who are redefining Indian sports and inspiring future generations with their achievements and impact.