Published on 23 Feb 2026

Shooting sport athlete Anjali Bhagwat honoured at BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year Awards 2025

issf-logo

Indian shooting legend Anjali Bhagwat has been recognised at the prestigious BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year Awards 2025, receiving a special honour celebrating her outstanding contribution to sport and her lasting legacy within Indian shooting.

A pioneer of rifle shooting in India, Bhagwat enjoyed a remarkable competitive career highlighted by multiple international podium finishes and sustained success at the highest level. Among her many achievements, she claimed the 10m Air Rifle world title at the ISSF World Cup Final 2003 and reached world number one status, becoming one of the first Indian shooters to achieve global prominence. Her performances inspired a generation of athletes and helped elevate shooting sport’s visibility and popularity across the country.

The recognition at the BBC awards reflects Bhagwat’s impact beyond results alone. Following her retirement from elite competition, she has remained closely connected to the sport through mentoring, advocacy and development initiatives aimed at supporting young athletes. Her journey from trailblazer to role model continues to resonate within the shooting community, and this honour stands as further acknowledgement of a career that has contributed significantly to the growth of shooting sport in India and internationally.