Indian women have consistently defied expectations and achieved remarkable success across diverse sporting disciplines in 2025. Their dedication, perseverance, and talent have not only brought glory to the nation but have also shattered stereotypes and inspired millions of young girls to pursue their dreams.
One of the most significant achievements of the year came in women's football, where the Indian team qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 after a gap of 22 years. In a crucial qualifying match against Thailand, Sangita Basfore's brace secured a 2-1 victory, propelling India to the main event in Australia. This victory was particularly sweet, considering India had to withdraw from the 2022 edition due to a COVID-19 outbreak, despite being the host nation. The team, coached by Crispin Chhetri, displayed exceptional teamwork and determination throughout the qualifiers, overcoming challenges and ultimately making history.
In the world of chess, Indian women have reached unprecedented heights in 2025. Grandmaster Koneru Humpy and International Master Divya Deshmukh have secured their places in the final of the FIDE Women's Chess World Cup, guaranteeing India its first-ever champion in the prestigious tournament. This historic achievement marks the first time that both finalists are from India, underscoring the country's growing prominence in the global chess arena. Humpy's journey to the final included a quarterfinal victory against China's IM Song Yuxin and a semifinal win against China's top seed Lei Tingjie. Deshmukh, on the other hand, defeated former Women's World Champion Tan Zhongyi in the semi-finals. Their success has not only brought pride to the nation but has also secured them spots in the Women's Candidates Tournament in 2026.
While the Indian women's basketball team missed out on promotion to Division A in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025, they displayed commendable fighting spirit throughout the tournament. Despite a semi-final loss to Thailand, Sreekala Rani and Pushpa Senthil Kumar's impressive performances showcased the growing talent in Indian women's basketball.
At the FISU World University Games 2025 in Rhine-Ruhr, Indian athletes have made their mark, with women playing a prominent role. Parneet Kaur and Kushal Dalal clinched India's first gold medal in the mixed team compound archery event. The women's compound team, consisting of Parneet Kaur, Avneet Kaur, and Madhura Dhamangaonkar, secured a bronze medal, further adding to India's medal tally. Vaishnavi Adkar also won a bronze medal in tennis, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat at the World University Games.
These achievements are a testament to the growing support for women's sports in India, driven by initiatives like the Khelo India program and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). These schemes provide crucial infrastructure, scholarships, and financial assistance to female athletes, nurturing their talent and enabling them to compete at the highest level. The success of Indian women in sports is not just about winning medals; it is about breaking barriers, challenging societal norms, and inspiring millions of young girls to pursue their dreams. As Indian women continue to excel in sports, they are redefining the nation's sporting narrative and paving the way for a brighter future.
