Indian sports fans have plenty to cheer about as athletes across a wide range of disciplines continue to make headlines with stellar performances, historic achievements, and record-breaking feats. From cricket and athletics to shooting, archery, chess, and national competitions, Indian athletes are emerging as forces on the global stage and inspiring a new generation of sports lovers.
In this article, we highlight the top Indian athletes currently making news, their latest accomplishments, and why they are capturing attention across India.
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma: Women’s Cricket Powerhouses
Indian women’s cricket has been on a spectacular rise, and two stars in particular — Smriti Mandhana and **Shafali Verma — have been in extraordinary form. In a recent Women’s T20 International match against Sri Lanka, the Indian team posted their highest ever total, with Mandhana scoring 80 runs and Verma contributing 79. Their explosive batting performances powered Team India to a commanding total, showcasing the growing dominance of Indian women’s cricket. The Times of India
Smriti Mandhana’s consistency has also seen her enter an elite club of women batters with over 4,000 T20I runs, a historic achievement that places her alongside only one other global player in that category. The Economic Times
Emerging Shooting Stars: Suruchi Phogat and Samrat Rana
Suruchi Phogat
2025 has been a breakthrough year for Indian shooting sensation Suruchi Phogat. With multiple World Cup gold medals in the women’s 10m air pistol event, she’s been one of the standout Indian athletes in the sport. Her remarkable performances in Buenos Aires, Lima, Munich, and Doha highlight her consistency and elite competitive mindset, making her one to watch in future global championships. ESPN.com
Samrat Rana
Another rising star from Indian shooting is Samrat Rana, who etched his name in history by winning the gold medal in the 10m air pistol event at the 2025 World Championships. At just 20 years old, Rana became one of the few Indian shooters to claim a world title, joining an elite list that includes legends of the sport. His achievement reflects India’s growing strength in precision shooting disciplines. Wikipedia
Cricket Sensation: Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma has become one of the most talked-about names in Indian cricket in 2025. His extraordinary batting performances have made him a standout player in T20 internationals. Sharma achieved remarkable milestones, including climbing to the number one spot in the world T20I rankings and setting records for run scoring in major series. Wikipedia
At just 21 years old, he has already registered the highest individual T20I score for India and earned the player of the tournament title in the Asia Cup with over 300 runs. His rise reflects a new generation of Indian batting talent taking global cricket by storm.
National Champions: Suraj Sharma and Badminton Winners
Suraj Sharma – Shooting
Indian shooter Suraj Sharma grabbed headlines at the National Shooting Championship by delivering a golden double — winning both senior and junior 25m rapid fire pistol titles. His exceptional precision and performance against experienced competitors have highlighted his potential to become a future international champion. The Times of India
Rithvik Sanjeevi and Surya Charishma Tamiri – Badminton
At the Senior National Badminton Championships, Rithvik Sanjeevi and Surya Charishma Tamiri clinched the men’s and women’s singles titles, respectively. Their victories mark significant milestones in their careers, placing them among the promising talents of Indian badminton. The Times of India
Rising Archery Star: Rishabh Yadav
Rishabh Yadav, the Indian compound archer, has been turning heads with phenomenal performances on the world stage. In 2025, he set a world record in the mixed team event at the Archery World Cup with partner Jyothi Surekha, showcasing India’s strength in compound archery. Wikipedia
His medal wins at international World Cup events and world-record qualification scores underline India’s deepening talent base in precision target sports.
Teenage High Jump Champion: Pooja Singh
At just 18 years old, high jumper Pooja Singh has been one of India’s breakout athletes in track and field. She claimed gold at the 2025 Asian Championships, establishing herself as a leading high-jump talent. Her remarkable journey from a small village in Haryana to continental gold reflects resilience and dedication — characteristics that have made her an inspirational figure for young athletes. Wikipedia
Emerging Chess Star: Divya Deshmukh
Chess has found a powerful new ambassador in Divya Deshmukh, the young prodigy from Nagpur. She won the FIDE Women’s World Cup and is set to be honored with one of India’s top sporting awards — the Arjuna Award — for her exceptional achievements in chess. Her international success and leadership in team events have made her one of the most celebrated young Indian athletes of 2025. The Times of India
Athletics Standouts: Neeraj Chopra and Others
Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra remains one of India’s most iconic athletes, with a strong showing in 2025 that included a significant 90-meter throw — one of the few highlights in Indian athletics this year. While he has faced challenges in major global finals, his achievements and longevity continue to inspire track and field athletes nationwide. The Economic Times
Other Indian athletes such as distance runner Gulveer Singh are also making waves with record-breaking performances, pushing the boundaries of Indian track events. Instagram
Para-Athletes & Inclusive Sports Success
Indian para-athletes continued to be in the spotlight with strong medal performances at the World Para Athletics Championships in 2025. Their achievements underline not just competitive excellence but also India’s growing emphasis on inclusivity and support for athletes with disabilities. Olympics
Inspiration Beyond Elite Sports
Inspiring sporting stories aren’t limited to international icons. Local feats like that of Rohit Maiya, a Bengaluru resident who ran a half-marathon every single day of 2025, demonstrate the passion for fitness and personal excellence in communities across India. The Times of India
What This Means for Indian Sports
The stories and accomplishments of these athletes reflect a dynamic period in Indian sports, marked by historic victories, rising young talent, and broader participation across disciplines. From global stages to national championships and grassroots achievements, Indian athletes are not only breaking records but also inspiring a wave of sporting enthusiasm among fans and aspiring future stars.
Helpful Links
https://www.olympics.com
https://www.icc-cricket.com
https://www.espn.com
