Relive historic 2025 athletic moments changing global competition forever.
The year 2025 has officially closed its doors, leaving behind a legacy of broken curses and new empires. It was a period where the old guard finally stepped aside, making room for a fresh generation of stars across every imaginable field. From the roaring cricket stadiums in the UAE to the high-intensity football pitches of Europe and India, the 2025 Global Sports Highlights tell a story of immense change and grit.
Cricket fans will remember 2025 as the year when long-standing droughts finally ended. The ICC Champions Trophy, held in a unique hybrid format across Pakistan and the UAE, saw India emerge as the ultimate champions. Beating New Zealand in the final, the Men in Blue proved their mettle on the global stage once again.
Domestically, the Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed a moment many thought would never come. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted the trophy after 17 years of waiting, defeating Punjab Kings in a high-octane final. The "Ee Sala Cup Namde" dream became a reality, sparking celebrations across India. Meanwhile, the Women's Premier League (WPL) saw the Mumbai Indians continue their dominance under Harmanpreet Kaur, who played a captain’s knock of 66 in the final to secure their second title.
In the longest format of the game, South Africa shed their "chokers" tag at Lord's. By defeating Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, the Proteas reclaimed their status as the kings of red-ball cricket.
European football saw a tectonic shift as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) finally conquered the UEFA Champions League. In a one-sided final at the Allianz Arena, they thrashed Inter Milan 5-0. This victory signaled a move away from "superstar culture" toward a younger, more tactical squad. In England, Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League, securing their 20th title.
Closer to home, the Indian football scene was dominated by the East and Northeast. Mohun Bagan Super Giant achieved a historic double by winning both the ISL League Shield and the ISL Cup. NorthEast United FC also made waves by defending their Durand Cup title with a dominant 6-1 victory in the final.
The era of the "Big Three" in tennis is officially over. 2025 was defined by the fierce rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The duo split the four Grand Slams between them, with Alcaraz winning the French Open and US Open, while Sinner claimed the Australian Open and Wimbledon. In the women's circuit, Iga Świątek finally proved her versatility by winning her first Wimbledon title in a flawless performance.
In Formula 1, the Red Bull era faltered. Lando Norris, driving for McLaren, secured his first-ever Drivers' Championship in a nail-biting season finale in Abu Dhabi, winning by a mere two points over Max Verstappen.
Perhaps the most proud moment for Indian sports was the global expansion of Kabaddi and Kho Kho. The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 was held in the UK, where India defeated England 44-41 in a thrilling men’s final. Similarly, the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup took place in New Delhi, featuring 20 nations and showcasing India's cultural sports to a worldwide audience.
The 38th National Games in Uttarakhand showcased India's rising athletic depth. The Services Sports Control Board topped the table with 68 gold medals, followed closely by Maharashtra. These games served as a crucial stepping stone for athletes looking toward the 2028 Olympics.
