As 2025 draws to a close, it leaves behind a legacy of record-shattering performances and historic firsts. For India, it was arguably the greatest year in its sporting history, defined by “Nari Shakti” (Women Power) and a resurgence on the global stage. From the cricket pitches of Navi Mumbai to the fast tracks of Tokyo, here are the top 10 sports events that defined 2025.
1. India’s Maiden Women’s Cricket World Cup Glory
In a watershed moment for Indian sport, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team lifted their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup trophy. Playing at home in Navi Mumbai, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side defeated South Africa by 52 runs in a high-octane final. Smriti Mandhana’s batting brilliance and Deepti Sharma’s clinical five-wicket haul sealed a victory that is already being compared to the historic 1983 men’s triumph.
2. The Champions Trophy Returns to India
After a 12-year drought, the Indian Men’s Cricket Team reclaimed the ICC Champions Trophy in March. Led by Rohit Sharma, an unbeaten India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the final in Dubai. The tournament was a masterclass in spin bowling, with Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav strangling opponents, while Rohit Sharma’s 76 in the final earned him Player of the Match honors.
3. Neeraj Chopra Breaches the 90m Barrier
The “Golden Boy” of India finally achieved what fans had long awaited. At the Doha Diamond League, Neeraj Chopra recorded a phenomenal throw of 90.23m, shattering his own national record and joining the elite club of javelin throwers who have crossed the elusive 90-metre mark. He followed this up with a silver at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo later in the year.
4. Divya Deshmukh: The New Queen of Chess
Nineteen-year-old Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh scripted history by becoming the FIDE Women’s World Cup Champion. In an all-Indian final held in Batumi, Georgia, she defeated the legendary Koneru Humpy. Her victory solidified India’s status as a global chess superpower and made her the youngest recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award.
5. Lando Norris Claims His First F1 World Title
In one of the most competitive Formula One seasons in recent memory, McLaren’s Lando Norris secured his first World Championship. The title was decided in a dramatic season finale in Abu Dhabi, where Norris fended off Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri to end Red Bull’s long-standing dominance and bring the title back to McLaren.
6. India Hosts the World Para Athletics Championships
For the first time, India hosted the World Para Athletics Championships at New Delhi’s JLN Stadium. The home advantage propelled India to its best-ever performance, finishing 10th in the standings with a record 22 medals (6 Gold, 9 Silver, 7 Bronze). Sumit Antil continued his reign in the javelin throw, breaking the world record once again.
7. Rory McIlroy Completes the Grand Slam
After a decade of “so close” moments, Rory McIlroy finally won The Masters at Augusta. By securing the Green Jacket, McIlroy became only the sixth player in history to complete the Career Grand Slam, sparking emotional celebrations across the golfing world.
8. The Rising “Nari Shakti” in Combat Sports
It was a golden year for Indian women in the ring and on the mat. Jaismine Lamboria and Minakshi Hooda clinched gold medals at the World Boxing Cup Finals, while the Indian women’s kabaddi team secured their second consecutive World Cup title by defeating Chinese Taipei in a thrilling final in Dhaka.
9. World Records Fall at Tokyo World Athletics Championships
The Tokyo National Stadium saw history rewritten. Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis broke the pole vault world record for an astonishing 14th time, clearing 6.30m. Meanwhile, in the women’s mile, Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon delivered a performance that left the world in awe, setting a mark that may stand for decades.
10. Messi’s Historic Visit to India
While not a single match, Lionel Messi’s visit to India in late 2025 became the year’s most viral sporting moment. The global icon met with Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Chhetri and felicitated the Minerva Academy U-14 team, which had recently made history by sweeping the European youth circuit (Gothia, Dana, and Norway Cups) unbeaten.
Which of these moments was your favorite? Whether it was the roar of the crowd in Navi Mumbai or the silent intensity of the chess board in Georgia, 2025 proved that for India and the world, the spirit of sport is stronger than ever.