Indian Women’s Kabaddi Team honoured as BBC Star Performers of the Year 2025 after World Cup triumph

The India women’s national kabaddi team were recognised as the *BBC Star Performers of the Year 2025* at the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year Awards, celebrating their dominant World Cup campaign and highlighting the growing stature of women’s kabaddi on the national sporting landscape.

Speaking on the sidelines of the awards, team member *Ritu Sheoran* said the honour was an important moment for the sport and for female athletes. “It feels very special to see kabaddi being recognised on a platform like this. Kabaddi doesn’t always get this kind of attention, so being here with the team is a proud moment,” she said. Reflecting on the World Cup triumph, Sheoran added, “Winning the World Cup after so many years was emotional for all of us. Awards like these motivate the next generation of girls to believe they can represent India too.” She also stressed the importance of greater support for women’s kabaddi so that younger players can find stronger pathways into the sport.

Fellow player *Pooja Kajla* echoed similar sentiments, calling the recognition a proud milestone for the entire squad. “I felt very happy to be invited and honoured. For the first time, kabaddi has been included and celebrated on such a stage, and that means a lot to us,” she said. Kajla added that such recognition has a wider social impact, noting, “It creates confidence among girls and makes families happy to see women athletes being recognised. It encourages more young players to take up sport seriously.”

The award comes after India’s comprehensive World Cup victory, a campaign that underlined the team’s dominance in the sport while shining a spotlight on a new generation of athletes. The players said recognition at events like these helps elevate women’s sport and provides much-needed visibility to indigenous disciplines like kabaddi.

As women’s kabaddi continues to gain momentum, the team’s success and public acknowledgement signal a broader shift in Indian sport — one where female athletes and traditional games are increasingly taking centre stage.

Related posts:

Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengal Warriors play out first tie of PKL Season 10 Scintillating Patna Pirates Halt Gujarat Giants’ Juggernaut in Final Game of Opening Leg of PKL Season 10 The ‘Mighty Maninder’ Scores 16 Points as Bengal Warriors Defeat Tamil Thalaivas Bengaluru Bulls end home leg with close win over Jaipur Pink Panthers