Overview
- Mandhana was honored after starring in India’s 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup triumph as vice-captain, scoring 434 runs across the tournament and adding WPL success with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- She accepted the award via video message while touring Australia as the ceremony took place at the Taj Palace hotel in Delhi.
- The winners were selected by a grand jury featuring Leander Paes, Deepa Malik and Anju Bobby George.
- Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh was named Emerging Player of the Year for her FIDE Women’s World Cup victory at age 20, while Preethi Pal earned Para Sportswoman of the Year and shooter Anjali Bhagwat received the Lifetime Achievement award.
- BBC News chief Jonathan Munro praised the laureates as ISWOTY, produced by Collective Newsroom, also recognized ‘Star Performers’ and ‘Changemakers,’ including India’s women’s cricket team and the women’s ice hockey team.