The Indian Women’s Cricket Team for the Blind has been officially recognized as BBC Star Performers of the Year 2025. This prestigious accolade follows their historic and unbeaten campaign in the inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, where they clinched the title in November 2025.
Led by captain Deepika TC, the team delivered a dominant performance in the final at Colombo’s P Sara Oval. After restricting Nepal to 114/5, India chased down the target in just 12.1 overs, losing only three wickets to lift the maiden trophy.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Honors
- BBC Star Performers of the Year: This category celebrated collective excellence, featuring:
- Indian Women’s Cricket Team for the Blind: For their unbeaten World Cup run.
- India Senior Women’s Cricket Team: Following their historic 2025 ODI World Cup victory.
- Indian Women’s Kabaddi Team: For their World Cup championship win.
- Para-Athletics Trio: Ekta Bhyan, Deepthi Jeevanji, and Preethi Pal for their World Para Athletics achievements.
- BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year (ISWOTY): The top individual honor was awarded to Smriti Mandhana, vice-captain of the senior national team, for her pivotal role in India’s World Cup success.
- BBC Emerging Player of the Year: Awarded to 20-year-old chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh for her FIDE Women’s World Cup triumph.
- BBC Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to Anjali Bhagwat, the pioneering shooter and India’s first woman to reach an Olympic final.
BBC Changemakers of the Year 2025
The ceremony also highlighted individuals and teams who have redefined the landscape of Indian sports:
- Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team: For breaking barriers in a non-traditional sport.
- Savita Punia & Rajbir Kaur: Celebrated for their contributions to Indian field hockey across different eras.
- Paani Devi: Recognized for her tireless commitment to grassroots sports development.
This recognition by the BBC underscores a “Golden Year” for women’s sports in India, where achievements across diverse disciplines and abilities have been brought into the global spotlight.
