Smriti Mandhana capped off a remarkable year by being named Indian Sportswoman of the Year at the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year ceremony.

The stylish left-hander earned the honor after playing a pivotal role in India’s triumphant 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup campaign and leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second Women’s Premier League title.

Mandhana, 29, served as India’s vice-captain during the World Cup and was one of the standout performers of the tournament, amassing 434 runs as the team marched to its maiden title. She edged out strong contenders, including Harmanpreet Kaur, chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh, shooter Suruchi Singh and hurdler Jyothi Yarraji, for the prestigious honour.

A golden year

Despite navigating a challenging phase in her personal life, Mandhana enjoyed a stellar run on the field. Reflecting on the award, she described 2025 as a landmark year for Indian women’s cricket.

“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.

Mandhana’s achievements extend well beyond the past year. Having made her India debut at just 16, she now boasts 17 international centuries, a record she shares with Australian great Meg Lanning.

In franchise cricket too, she has enjoyed sustained success, lifting two WPL trophies with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and cementing her status as one of the game’s modern greats.

Other big winners

The award winners were selected by a distinguished jury that included tennis legend Leander Paes, Paralympic icon Deepa Malik, and long jump great Anju Bobby George.

The evening also celebrated Divya Deshmukh, who was named Emerging Player of the Year following her stunning triumph at the FIDE Women’s World Cup at just 20.

Para-athlete Preethi Pal took home the Para-Sportswoman of the Year award after winning two bronze medals in athletics at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, while former shooter Anjali Bhagwat was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her distinguished career on the global stage.