Year of sporting firsts: Harmanpreet Kaur-led India keep 2025 trend intact with Women’s World Cup victory

Harmanpreet Kaur-led India keep 2025 trend intact with Women’s World Cup victory

“Firsts are always special.” This phrase has been said, heard, and written many times before, but in the world of sport, it carries a weight of its own. For players and teams, a first win is never just about the moment itself – it’s the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, planning and belief, all coming together in one unforgettable instance of glory.

On Sunday night in Navi Mumbai, the world witnessed yet another first as India were crowned champions of the ICC Women's World Cup. The Women in Blue denied South Africa Women a World Cup title for the second time in a row, after they had lost to New Zealand Women last year in the T20 World Cup final.

In front of a packed home crowd, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian team couldn’t have asked for a better setting to end their trophy drought. For many reasons, it was an emotional night – for everyone who is part of the team, those who have played for it in the past, and those watching both at the ground and at home. After 2011, a World Cup was once again lifted on Indian soil by home-grown players.

Also Read | Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami - pioneers of Indian women's cricket - join trophy celebrations with Harmanpreet and Co.

This win continues this year’s tradition of firsts. When tears rolled down Virat Kohli’s face in Ahmedabad, that was the moment of realisation – the moment of glory had finally arrived for RCB after years of heartbreak.

The dream was also realised when the entire South Africa men’s squad walked out at Lord’s Cricket Ground, as Temba Bavuma was left stunned in silence, burying his tear-streaked face after beating Australia in the WTC final. The same emotions were shared by Keshav Maharaj. For a nation that has carried the label of “chokers” for generations, South Africa’s time had finally come – and it came against a side that has won more trophies than any other in world cricket.

Beyond the cricketing world, there were many other firsts as well. One of the highlights was Harry Kane winning his first-ever league title – the Bundesliga trophy – marking the end of a long and often frustrating personal wait.

WATCH: Harmanpreet Kaur fittingly produces final act to deliver India its maiden Women's World Cup title

Without Kylian Mbappé, Paris Saint-Germain won the UEFA Champions League with a 5–0 thumping of Inter Milan.

A 70-year-long drought was ended by Newcastle United when they overcame Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.

From one sport to another, 2025 will be remembered as the year of new champions – when players and teams alike broke free from past disappointments to taste victory for the first time. And the best part? The year isn’t over yet. There’s still time for more chapters to be written in this remarkable season of firsts. Only time will tell what comes next.