BBC Shortlists Indian Women Athletes For International Sports Women Of The Year Awards

Smriti Mandhana is the only Indian athlete named in TIME’s 2026 list of influential sports figures, recognized for her record‑breaking opening partnerships and leadership in women’s cricket, boosting the sport’s profile nationwide.

PT Usha praised the “Nari Shakti” movement as Indian women dominate the Commonwealth Games 2026, citing gold medals in athletics and badminton, and urged continued support for female athletes across the country.

BBC has shortlisted multiple Indian women athletes for its International Sports Women of the Year awards, highlighting performances such as a historic cricket series win, a record sprint time, and a badminton world‑championship title.

Indian media featured these achievements on International Women’s Day, noting that the increased visibility is encouraging youth participation, attracting sponsorship, and prompting sports bodies to invest more in women’s training facilities significantly.