2 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Indian sports received a major boost on the global stage as Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Divya Deshmukh were named among the nominees for the 2025 BBC Sports Awards. The nominations highlight the growing international recognition of Indian women athletes across different disciplines and underline their consistent performances over the past year.
The BBC Sports Awards are regarded as one of the most prestigious global platforms celebrating sporting excellence, resilience, and impact beyond results alone. Being shortlisted places Indian athletes alongside some of the world’s best, reflecting the country’s rising stature in international sports.
Harmanpreet Kaur: A Leader on and off the Field
Indian women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been nominated following another impactful year marked by strong leadership and match-winning performances. Known for her aggressive batting and calm decision-making under pressure, Harmanpreet has remained a central figure in India’s success across formats.
In 2024–25, she led India through several high-profile international series, delivering crucial innings in limited-overs cricket and guiding younger players during transitional phases of the team. Beyond statistics, her influence has been felt in the team’s improved competitiveness against top-ranked sides.
Selectors and experts have often credited Harmanpreet for redefining India’s approach to women’s cricket, blending fearless intent with tactical maturity. Her nomination recognizes not just individual brilliance but also her role in elevating the team’s global standing.
Smriti Mandhana: Consistency and Class
Smriti Mandhana, one of the most elegant batters in world cricket, earned her nomination after another year of consistent excellence. Mandhana has been India’s batting mainstay, delivering impactful performances across bilateral series and major tournaments.
Her ability to score runs against both pace and spin, combined with her leadership responsibilities as a senior player, has made her one of the most respected figures in the women’s game. In the past year, she featured prominently in ICC tournaments and key overseas tours, often setting the tone at the top of the order.
Mandhana’s global popularity and sportsmanship have also contributed to her nomination. As a role model for aspiring cricketers, she continues to inspire young athletes, particularly girls, to pursue the sport professionally.
Divya Deshmukh: Rising Star of Indian Chess
Teenage chess sensation Divya Deshmukh represents the new generation of Indian sports talent. Her nomination comes on the back of a breakthrough year in international chess, where she delivered standout performances against elite competition.
Divya’s rapid rise has been marked by composure beyond her years, sharp tactical awareness, and the ability to thrive under pressure. She has played a key role in India’s success in team events while also making deep runs in individual tournaments.
Chess experts have praised her maturity and work ethic, describing her as one of the brightest prospects in global women’s chess. Her inclusion among the BBC Sports Awards nominees underscores the growing influence of Indian players in a sport long dominated by traditional powerhouses.
Significance of the Nominations
The presence of three Indian women among the nominees reflects a broader shift in Indian sports. Over the past decade, increased investment, better grassroots programs, and greater visibility have helped athletes compete at the highest levels across disciplines.
Sports analysts note that such international recognition boosts confidence among athletes and federations alike. “These nominations send a strong message that Indian women are not just participating globally but excelling and being acknowledged for it,” said a former international athlete.
The BBC Sports Awards also value impact, inspiration, and representation. In that sense, all three nominees have contributed significantly—whether by leading national teams, setting performance benchmarks, or inspiring young talent.
Growing Global Recognition for Indian Women Athletes
India’s presence at global awards has steadily increased, especially in women’s sports. Cricket, chess, badminton, boxing, and athletics have all produced athletes who are now regular contenders on the world stage.
Harmanpreet and Mandhana symbolize the maturity and depth of Indian women’s cricket, while Divya Deshmukh represents the fearless emergence of teenage talent in mind sports. Together, their nominations paint a picture of a sporting ecosystem that is becoming more inclusive and competitive.
Reaction From the Sports Community
The nominations were widely celebrated across India’s sporting community. Fans, former players, and officials took to social media to congratulate the athletes, calling the recognition “well-deserved” and “historic.”
Many experts pointed out that such honors play a crucial role in shaping public perception and encouraging young athletes to dream big. “When young players see Indians being nominated for global awards, it reinforces belief and ambition,” said a sports psychologist.
What Happens Next
The final winners of the 2025 BBC Sports Awards will be announced later this year, following a selection process that includes expert panels and audience engagement. While competition is expected to be intense, the nominations alone are considered a significant achievement.
Regardless of the outcome, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Divya Deshmukh have already made their mark. Their recognition by an international platform highlights not just individual excellence but the collective rise of Indian women in global sports.
A Moment of Pride
As India continues to produce world-class athletes across disciplines, moments like these serve as milestones in the country’s sporting journey. The nominations reaffirm that Indian women athletes are no longer on the fringes of global recognition—they are firmly at the center of it.
Summary:
Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh have been nominated for the 2025 BBC Sports Awards, highlighting India’s growing global recognition in women’s sports.