As 2025 draws to a close, Indian sports reflect on a year of soaring achievements and sobering setbacks, a period that tested the nation's sporting spirit in profound ways. From historic World Cup victories to doping scandals and tragic crowd incidents, the year presented a complex narrative of triumph and tribulation.
The year began on a celebratory note, with Indian athletes achieving significant milestones on the global stage. The Indian women's cricket team clinched their maiden ODI World Cup title, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final held in Navi Mumbai. This historic win marked a watershed moment for women's cricket in India, promising to inspire a new generation of female athletes. The men's cricket team also contributed to the celebratory atmosphere by winning the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, defeating New Zealand in the final. Additionally, Neeraj Chopra, India's javelin star, finally crossed the 90m barrier at the Doha Diamond League, a feat that had eluded him for years. In chess, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh won the FIDE Women's World Cup, further adding to India's list of sporting accomplishments in 2025.
However, the euphoria surrounding these victories was soon tempered by a series of controversies and tragedies that exposed deep-seated issues within the Indian sporting ecosystem. The most devastating incident occurred after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) maiden IPL title win when a massive crowd crush erupted outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, resulting in the deaths of eleven fans and injuries to over 30. The tragedy highlighted the lack of proper crowd management and safety protocols at sporting events in India, prompting investigations and renewed calls for stricter regulations.
Adding to the woes, India continued to grapple with the persistent issue of doping in sports. For the third consecutive year, India topped the global list of doping violations, according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Athletics, weightlifting, and wrestling were the most affected sports, raising concerns about the prevalence of performance-enhancing drugs among Indian athletes. The doping scandals not only tarnished the image of Indian sports but also threatened the country's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Controversies also plagued other sports, including football and cricket. The Indian Super League (ISL) season was put on hold due to a dispute between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), creating uncertainty about the league's future. In cricket, tensions between India and Pakistan spilled onto the field during the Asia Cup, with players skipping the customary post-match handshake and facing sanctions for provocative gestures.
Despite these challenges, 2025 also witnessed some remarkable achievements by Indian athletes on the global stage. Sheetal Devi became the first woman armless archer to win a world para championship gold. Several young athletes, including Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Anahat Singh, made their mark in cricket and squash, respectively, signaling a bright future for Indian sports.
As India looks ahead to 2026, the lessons learned from the triumphs and tragedies of 2025 will be crucial in shaping the future of Indian sports. Addressing the issues of doping, safety, and governance will be essential to ensure that India can achieve its full potential as a sporting nation.
