Archive · 25 Dec 2025
Indian Women Athletes Shine in 2025
In 2025, Indian women athletes made history with their incredible achievements in various sports.
Sheetal Devi, born without arms, became the first Indian para-athlete to compete in an able-bodied international competition and won gold at the World Para Archery Championships.
Divya Deshmukh, a chess prodigy, won the FIDE Women’s World Cup and played in open tournaments against men, gaining valuable experience.
Other athletes like Unnati Hooda and Tanvi Sharma made waves in badminton, while Suruchi and Ankita Bhagat excelled in shooting and archery respectively.
Preeti Panwar and Antim Panghal also made their mark in boxing and wrestling.
These athletes not only brought home medals but also inspired many with their determination and skill.
Their success highlights the growing talent and potential of Indian women in sports.
Sheetal Devi made history as the first Indian para-athlete to qualify for an able-bodied international competition and won gold at the World Para Archery Championships.
Divya Deshmukh won the FIDE Women’s World Cup and played in open tournaments against men, gaining valuable experience and refining her skills.
Indian women athletes excelled in various sports, including badminton, shooting, archery, boxing, and wrestling, bringing home multiple medals and setting new standards.
Compound archery was added to the Olympic program for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, marking a significant milestone for the sport.
Indian archers topped the medal table at the Asian Archery Championships, winning 10 medals, including six golds.
- Who
- Indian women athletes including Sheetal Devi, Divya Deshmukh, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Suruchi, Ankita Bhagat, Preeti Panwar, and Antim Panghal.
- What
- Indian women athletes achieved significant success in various sports in 2025, including archery, chess, badminton, shooting, boxing, and wrestling.
- When
- Throughout 2025, these athletes competed in various international tournaments and championships.
- Where
- The achievements took place in different locations around the world, including Gwangju, South Korea; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Batumi, Georgia; and Goa, India.
- Why
- These athletes demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and a willingness to take on challenging competitions, setting new standards and inspiring future generations.
- Athletes
- Sheetal Devi, Divya Deshmukh, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Suruchi, Ankita Bhagat, Preeti Panwar, Antim Panghal
- Sports
- Archery, Chess, Badminton, Shooting, Boxing, Wrestling
- Key Achievements
- Sheetal Devi: First Indian para-athlete in able-bodied competition, World Para Archery Champion. Divya Deshmukh: FIDE Women’s World Cup title, playing in open tournaments against men.
- Notable Tournaments
- World Para Archery Championships, FIDE Women’s World Cup, Asian Archery Championships, Tata Steel Challengers, Prague Challengers, FIDE Grand Swiss
- Olympic Recognition
- Compound mixed team event added to 2028 LA Games
- Asian Championships
- India topped medal table with 10 medals
- Chess Strategy
- Divya Deshmukh's high-risk, high-reward approach in open tournaments
- Future Prospects
- Divya Deshmukh's potential to compete for Women’s World Championship
Sources
Year-Ender: How Sheetal Devi Took Archery World By Storm In 2025
The disabled Adivasi who picked up a bow: Story of Jhongo Pahan, from shy child to silver medalist
2025: Her Year – Divya Deshmukh’s gamble to play Open tournaments will pay off in the long run
