CNN-News18, India’s leading English news channel, unveiled the winners of its 15th edition of ‘Indian of the Year’ on November 28, celebrating a diverse and inspiring lineup of changemakers whose achievements have shaped India’s narrative in 2025.

The star-studded event, themed “India’s Invincible Icons,” brought together prominent personalities from sports, business, cinema, defence, social impact and public service.

According to a release shared by the network, this year’s honours recognised individuals whose grit, innovation and leadership symbolise the spirit of a rapidly evolving India. The awards celebrated outstanding performers including Jay Shah, Harmanpreet Kaur, Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda, Baba Kalyani, Suruchi Phogat, Lt Cdr Roopa A, Lt Cdr Dilna K, Rauf Wani, Sajjad Ahmad Bhat, Deepika TC and the Blind Women’s Cricket Team, Chef Vijay Kumar, Revant Himatsingka, Aditya Mukarji and Chhonzin Angmo.

The Outstanding Achievement Award was conferred on ICC Chairman Jay Shah for his contributions to Indian cricket, including the landmark pay-parity decision for women cricketers and the launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Reflecting on his tenure, Shah credited India’s women cricketers for inspiring the reforms.

“We strengthened the domestic cricket structure, implemented pay parity, launched the WPL, and successfully completed a Rs.50,000 crore media rights deal, all without any controversy,” he said, dedicating the honour to the women’s team that recently lifted the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

Harmanpreet Kaur, who led India to that historic World Cup win, received the ‘Champion of the World Award’. The skipper, who also guided India to multiple Asia Cup titles and a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games, said, “Lifting the World Cup was a dream we cherished since childhood. I would like to thank Jay Shah for his contributions to the women’s cricket team; the pay parity and WPL initiatives have been immensely helpful.”

In the Business category, Bharat Forge chief Baba Kalyani was honoured for his leadership in advanced manufacturing and strategic defence sectors. Rising shooter Suruchi Phogat, who won her third consecutive ISSF World Cup gold in Munich, received the ‘Rising Sports Star Award’, marking her ascent as one of India’s brightest young athletes.

The Youth Icon Award went to Lt Cdr Roopa A and Lt Cdr Dilna K for their historic circumnavigation aboard INSV Tarini under the Navika Sagar Parikarma II mission, making them the first Indian duo to complete a global double-handed sailing expedition.

Rauf Wani and Sajjad Ahmad Bhat were recognised with the Braveheart Indians Award for their courage and humanity during the Pahalgam terror attack, where their actions helped save several lives.

The Deepika TC–led Blind Women’s Cricket Team, fresh from winning the inaugural T20 World Cup for the Blind in November 2025, received the ‘Special Inspiring Champions Award’. Chef Vijay Kumar was honoured as Global Indian of the Year, after also earning the prestigious James Beard Foundation recognition as Best Chef: New York State.

Gen Z stars Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, leads of the blockbuster ‘Saiyaara’, won the Gen Z Icons of the Year Award, marking a breakthrough moment in their careers.

Nutrition educator Revant Himatsingka, known widely as Food Pharmer, was awarded Influencer of the Year for his work in raising awareness about healthy eating. Environmentalist Aditya Mukarji received the ‘Climate Warrior Award’ for eliminating millions of single-use plastic products through persistent campaigns.

Chhonzin Angmo, the first blind Indian woman to scale Mount Everest, was honoured with the Iconic ‘Woman Achiever Award’ for her extraordinary courage and determination.

CNN-News18’s Indian of the Year remains one of the country’s most prestigious honours, celebrating individuals who elevate India’s global standing. Over the years, the award has recognised personalities such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah Rukh Khan, Virat Kohli, Neeraj Chopra, ISRO, Mary Kom, A.R. Rahman and Deepika Padukone, continuing its legacy of honouring icons who inspire millions.