Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana headline nominees for BBC ISWOTY 2026
Riding high on their inspirational run to India’s maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title in November 2025, Indian cricket stalwarts Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana headline the nominees for the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year (ISWOTY) Awards 2026.
Now in its sixth edition, the BBC ISWOTY Awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of India’s leading women athletes across disciplines, recognising sporting excellence, resilience, and impact over the past year.
Joining Kaur and Mandhana among this year’s nominees is chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh , who scripted history in July 2025 by becoming the first Indian — and the youngest ever — champion of the FIDE Women’s World Cup, earning the grandmaster title in the process.
The five-member shortlist also includes 19-year-old shooter Suruchi Singh and 26-year-old hurdler Jyothi Yarraji , both of whom enjoyed standout international seasons in 2025.
Singh won a bronze medal in the women’s team event at the Asian Shooting Championship 2025 alongside Manu Bhaker and Palak Gulia, before rising to world No.1 in the International Shooting Sport Federation’s 10m air pistol rankings in September 2025.
Meanwhile, Arjuna Awardee Yarraji clinched gold in the 100m hurdles at the Asian Athletics Championships 2025 in Gumi, further cementing her status as one of Asia’s top hurdlers.
The nominees were shortlisted by an expert jury of sports editors, writers, and specialists following a comprehensive evaluation of performances over the past year. The final winner will be selected by a distinguished Grand Jury comprising Leander Paes, Anju Bobby George, and Deepa Malik.
The BBC ISWOTY 2026 winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in New Delhi on February 16.
