India’s sporting identity is undergoing a dynamic shift. No longer confined to cricket alone, the country is now producing world-class champions across disciplines — from athletics to wrestling, badminton to javelin. These athletes aren’t just winning medals; they are shaping the future of Indian sport. Here are 10 Indian sports personalities who are redefining excellence and deserve your attention in 2025.
🇮🇳 Neeraj Chopra – Javelin Throw
The golden boy of Indian athletics, Neeraj Chopra continues to inspire a generation with every throw. After his historic Olympic gold in Tokyo, he has become a consistent podium finisher at World Championships and Diamond League events.
Why follow him in 2025:
- Eyeing another Olympic gold in Paris 2024 and beyond
- Regularly competing against world No. 1 athletes
- A role model for India’s growing track & field culture
🏸 PV Sindhu – Badminton
PV Sindhu remains one of India’s most celebrated sports figures. A two-time Olympic medalist, she has been remarkably consistent in global tournaments and continues to be the face of Indian badminton on the world stage.
Why she stands out:
- A strong contender for World Championships and Paris 2024
- Balancing sport with brand endorsements and public life
- Mentoring the next wave of badminton talent
🥊 Nikhat Zareen – Boxing
From a promising national champion to a global name, Nikhat Zareen has emerged as a fearless and confident boxer. Her recent gold medals at the World Championships have made her the new face of Indian women’s boxing.
Why she matters:
- India’s top hope in the flyweight category
- Strong social media presence and growing fanbase
- Vocal advocate for women in combat sports
⚽ Sunil Chhetri – Football
Even in his late 30s, Sunil Chhetri remains the heartbeat of Indian football. As the third-highest active international goal scorer (after Messi and Ronaldo), his consistency, leadership, and humility are unmatched.
Why he continues to lead:
- Captain of Bengaluru FC and Indian National Team
- Playing a crucial role in developing Indian Super League talent
- Revered for his longevity and professionalism
🥇 Mirabai Chanu – Weightlifting
The silver medalist from Tokyo, Mirabai Chanu remains India’s brightest hope in weightlifting. Her dedication, discipline, and ability to bounce back from injuries make her one of the most respected athletes in the country.
Reasons to follow her journey:
- Targeting gold at the next Olympics and Asian Games
- Source of inspiration for athletes from Northeast India
- Often shares insights into her diet and training routines
🏏 Shubman Gill – Cricket
Dubbed as the “Prince of Indian Cricket,” Shubman Gill has cemented his place in all formats. With elegant strokeplay and a calm temperament, he is seen as the natural successor to Kohli and Rohit.
What makes him exceptional:
- Breakout IPL performances for Gujarat Titans
- Anchoring the top order for Team India
- Rapidly growing fanbase and endorsement portfolio
🏃 Avinash Sable – Steeplechase / Athletics
Avinash Sable has rewritten the rules for Indian distance running. The national record holder in 3000m steeplechase, he made history by finishing second at the Commonwealth Games and consistently challenging African dominance in the sport.
Why he’s a game-changer:
- Breaking long-held athletic stereotypes
- Competing at global Diamond League events
- Inspiring a resurgence of middle- and long-distance running in India
🏸 Satwik-Chirag – Doubles Badminton
India’s first truly world-class men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, have taken the badminton world by storm. Their aggressive style and smart courtplay have earned them major international titles.
Why they’re hot in 2025:
- Top 5 ranking in BWF standings
- Medals at Asian and Commonwealth levels
- Redefining doubles badminton in India
🥋 Bajrang Punia – Wrestling
A seasoned Olympian and World Championship medalist, Bajrang Punia has been one of the pillars of Indian wrestling for the past decade. His gritty performances and consistent presence in international events keep him in the spotlight.
What keeps him relevant:
- One of India’s best Olympic medal prospects in 2025–26
- Balanced mix of technique, strength, and intelligence
- Active advocate for wrestler rights and federation reforms
🧗 Aditi Ashok – Golf
Aditi Ashok has quietly become a powerhouse in Indian sport. Her near-podium finish at the Tokyo Olympics and continued rise in the LPGA Tour have given golf a whole new relevance among Indian youth.
Why she’s a rising star:
- Competing regularly in global golf majors
- Among the few Indian women to break into elite international golf
- Bringing visibility to a traditionally niche sport in India
These 10 athletes are not just winning games — they’re changing conversations. Each of them represents a shift in how India views sport: as a serious career, a path to global excellence, and a source of national pride. In 2025, these names are likely to dominate headlines, win medals, break records — and most importantly — inspire the next generation.
Upcoming Sports Events in India 2025
India’s sporting calendar for 2025 is packed with energy, diversity, and international anticipation. From historic cricket clashes to multi-sport youth games, the year promises action at every level. For fans, athletes, and stakeholders, it’s more than just a series of events — it’s a reflection of India’s growing stature on the global sporting map.
Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the major sports events scheduled to take place in India in 2025.
🏏 Cricket Events in 2025
Cricket continues to be the heartbeat of Indian sport, and 2025 brings a line-up of both domestic innovation and international prestige.
1. Women’s Cricket World Cup (ODI)
- Dates: September to November
- Host Cities: Bengaluru, Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Mullanpur
India will co-host this ICC event, drawing global attention. Expect a competitive field, with Australia, England, India, and New Zealand among the frontrunners. The final is slated for a brand-new international venue, enhancing India’s profile as a premier host.
2. Asia Cup (Men’s T20 Format)
- Dates: September
India will stage the majority of group-stage games. With high-stakes rivalries, particularly India vs. Pakistan, this event is poised to break broadcast records once again.
3. UPT20 League – Uttar Pradesh T20
- Dates: August to early September
This domestic franchise T20 tournament has emerged as a new platform for young cricketers in Northern India. All matches are expected to be played at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
4. India’s WTC Test Matches (World Test Championship 2025–27 Cycle)
- England Tour (Away): June–August
- Home Series vs. West Indies and South Africa: October and December respectively
India will kick off its WTC cycle with a five-Test tour of England, followed by high-profile home series later in the year.
⚽ Football Events in 2025
India’s football calendar continues to grow, with both legacy tournaments and new initiatives bringing visibility to the beautiful game.
5. Durand Cup – 134th Edition
- Dates: July to August
- Host Cities: Kolkata, Imphal, Kokrajhar, Shillong, Jamshedpur
The world’s third-oldest football tournament retains its place as a prestigious event in Indian football. ISL and I-League clubs will go head-to-head for glory.
6. Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 Season
- Expected Start: October 2025
India’s top-tier football league will feature new young talent and foreign players. Clubs like Mohun Bagan, Mumbai City FC, and Bengaluru FC are already preparing to strengthen their squads.
🏑 Hockey Events in 2025
With India’s growing global competitiveness in hockey, 2025 will feature major tournaments that could set the tone for the 2026 World Cup.
7. Men’s Hockey Asia Cup
- Dates: August to September
- Location: Rajgir, Bihar
This event will serve as a regional qualifier and warm-up ahead of the next FIH World Cup cycle. India, Malaysia, South Korea, and Pakistan will be among the top contenders.
8. Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup
- Dates: November to December
- Locations: Chennai and Madurai
The world’s top U-21 hockey teams will descend on India for this high-intensity tournament. It’s an opportunity to witness the next generation of global stars in action.
🥇 Multi-Sport Events
India’s commitment to mass participation and Olympic excellence is reflected in a rich lineup of state-sponsored and grassroots games.
9. 38th National Games of India – Uttarakhand
- Dates: Late January to Mid-February
- Venues: Dehradun, Haridwar, Haldwani, and other cities
Over 10,000 athletes from across the country will compete in 35+ disciplines. Expect action in athletics, shooting, wrestling, swimming, and team sports like basketball and volleyball.
10. Khelo India Youth Games – Delhi
- Dates: May 2025
Focused on under-17 talent, these games will feature competition in athletics, boxing, kabaddi, table tennis, and more. An important step in the journey toward Olympic-level training.
11. Khelo India University Games – Rajasthan
- Dates: November
This edition will involve over 6,000 university-level athletes, bringing together some of the best young competitors in sports like wrestling, archery, fencing, and badminton.
🎾 Other Major Events
India will also host a range of sport-specific national and international competitions.
12. ATP Challenger Tour – Bengaluru Open
- Dates: February
A key stop on the ATP Challenger circuit, this tennis tournament has helped launch several Indian and international players onto bigger stages.
13. New Delhi National Marathon
- Date: February 23
This growing marathon attracts elite runners from across Asia, along with thousands of amateur participants. It also functions as a qualifying event for international road races.
14. World Para Athletics Grand Prix – New Delhi
- Dates: March
This important event offers Paralympic athletes from India and abroad a chance to compete at world-class levels with full media and government support.
📅 Month-by-Month Outlook
| Month | Major Events |
| January | National Games (Uttarakhand) |
| February | Bengaluru Open, National Marathon |
| March | Para Athletics Grand Prix |
| May | Khelo India Youth Games |
| July–Aug | Durand Cup, UPT20 League, Cricket warm-ups |
| August | Hockey Asia Cup, Women’s Cricket World Cup begins |
| September | Asia Cup (T20), Cricket World Cup group stages |
| October | India vs West Indies Tests, ISL kickoff |
| November | Junior Hockey World Cup, Khelo India University Games |
| December | South Africa tour (cricket), year-end finals and league conclusions |
🌟 Why This Calendar Matters?
- Global Spotlight: Hosting multiple ICC, FIH, and ATP events cements India’s global sports presence.
- Talent Development: Khelo India and National Games serve as launchpads for future Olympians.
- Fan Engagement: Domestic leagues like ISL and UPT20 offer accessible, stadium-based entertainment.
- Commercial Growth: With increased media rights and private investment, Indian sports infrastructure is expanding rapidly.
2025 will be a defining year for Indian sport. Across cricket stadiums, hockey fields, football pitches, and athletic tracks, the momentum is undeniable. Whether you’re watching a young archer from Rajasthan or cheering for the women’s ODI team in a packed stadium, the pulse of Indian sport will be impossible to ignore. From grassroots to global — this is the year to witness India rise, play, and win.
