This International Women's Day, the theme #GiveToGain highlights a powerful reality in Indian sport when women athletes receive the right investment, opportunities,
and support systems, the returns are transformative.
Across disciplines, Indian sportswomen are delivering remarkable performances, winning global titles, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation to pursue sport at the highest level. From global podium finishes to inspiring endurance stories, here are six sports where women are making a powerful impact today.
Cricket: A World Cup Triumph That Captured the Nation
Women's cricket in India has entered a new era marked by rising fan engagement, stronger league structures, and global success.
At the centre of this momentum is Harmanpreet Kaur, who captained India to its first-ever ICC Women's World Cup title, a landmark achievement that captured the imagination of the country.
Star batter Smriti Mandhana continued her outstanding run, playing a key role in India's World Cup campaign before guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second Women's Premier League (WPL) title, making RCB the only franchise to hold both IPL and WPL trophies.
Young talents are also stepping up. Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a crucial performance in the semi-final to power India into the World Cup final, while Shafali Verma made a sensational impact as an injury replacement and was named Player of the Final, helping India script history.
Hockey: Experience and Leadership Driving Success
Indian women's hockey continues to gain momentum through strong leadership and consistent performances on the international stage.
Forward Navneet Kaur has become a key figure in India's attacking unit, known for her relentless work rate and sharp finishing. With over 100 international caps and an Asian Games silver medal, she recently led SG Pipers to their maiden Hockey India League title, earning the Player of the Tournament award.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper and captain Savita Punia remains the backbone of the Indian team and also co-leads the women's side of JSW Soorma Hockey Club. With over 300 international appearances and three Asian Games medals, she continues to anchor India's defence. In recognition of her immense contribution to the sport, she was recently honoured with the Padma Shri.
Squash: A Teenage Star Rising on the Global Tour
At just 17 years old, Anahat Singh has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in world squash.
Over the past year, she became India's top-ranked female squash player and broke into the PSA World Top 20, achieving a career-high ranking of World No. 18.
Her rise gained further momentum last month when she won the Squash On Fire Open in the USA, securing her first PSA Bronze-level title and reinforcing her status as one of the brightest young talents in the global game.
Running: Stories of Endurance Inspiring Communities
Beyond elite competition, women in endurance sport are inspiring communities through extraordinary personal journeys.
Captain Asmita Handa, a commercial airline pilot with over two decades of aviation experience, continues to inspire runners across the country. A regular pacer at the Tata Mumbai Marathon, she has completed marathons in Ladakh, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Kolkata, and even summited Mount Kilimanjaro in 2025, showcasing remarkable endurance.
Equally inspiring is Roshni Guhathakurta, who transformed her life through running despite being born with bilateral clubfoot. After losing over 20 kilograms, she has completed the Tata Mumbai Marathon three times and now supports runners as a pacer at marathons across India.
Motorsport: Women Accelerating Change on the Track
Motorsport in India is seeing a decisive shift toward inclusivity, with the Indian Racing Festival mandating one female driver per team, creating new opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
Leading the charge is Fabienne Wohlwend, who secured a landmark feature race victory at the Goa Street Race, becoming only the second female overall race winner in IRL history. She currently leads the championship alongside teammate Raoul Hyman.
India's next generation is equally promising. Rashi Shah, a 21-year-old from Mumbai, has been selected for the Racing Women Global Competition 2025/26 in Sweden, while Avani Veeramaneni has become India's youngest Formula 4 racer. Both represented Ahura Racing India's first all-women racing team in the JK Tyre National Racing Championship 2025.
Meanwhile, 12-year-old Atiqa Mir from Srinagar has already made global headlines, winning the Champions of the Future Academy and becoming the first Indian to claim the prestigious karting title.
Judo: The Next Generation from Manipur
India's future in judo is being shaped by two exceptional young athletes from Manipur Linthoi Chanambam and Taibanganbi Chanu.
Linthoi made history as the first Indian to win gold at the World Cadet Judo Championships and recently added another milestone by securing a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships, also a first for India.
Meanwhile, Taibanganbi Chanu announced herself on the global stage with a silver medal at the World Cadet Judo Championships in the women's 52kg category, establishing herself as one of India's most exciting prospects in combat sports.
Both Linthoi and Chanu train at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), where they continue to develop under a high-performance training programme.
