As the year 2025 draws to a close, November stands out as a golden chapter in Indian sports history. From the raucous cheers echoing through Dhaka’s stadiums to the calculated precision on cricket pitches in the Caribbean, Indian athletes didn’t just compete—they conquered. This month saw world titles clinched, national records shattered, and a new generation of stars emerge, all under the spotlight of the Khelo India University Games and global championships. Drawing from the electrifying highlights captured in Doordarshan Sports’ viral recap, Indian Sports Highlights 2025: November’s Biggest Triumphs, we dive into the moments that ignited national pride and redefined India’s global sporting stature.
Kabaddi Queens: Back-to-Back World Cup Domination
No story from November resonates louder than the Indian women’s kabaddi team’s triumphant roar at the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. On November 24, in a nail-biting final at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium, India outclassed Chinese Taipei 35-28 to secure their second consecutive world title. Captain-led precision raiding and unyielding defense propelled the unbeaten side through the tournament, with standout performers like raider Pooja and defender Nidhi turning matches into masterclasses. This victory wasn’t just about the trophy; it symbolized the sport’s explosive growth in India, inspiring young girls across rural heartlands to pick up the kabaddi mat. As one pundit noted, “The women have done their bit—now it’s time for kabaddi to take off globally.”
Cricket’s Clean Sweep: Test Series Triumph Over West Indies
Cricket, India’s perennial passion, delivered pure adrenaline in November with a commanding 2-0 whitewash of the West Indies in a gripping two-match Test series. The series, part of the 2025/26 tour, showcased the Men in Blue’s resilience under pressure. In the second Test, wrapping up on November 26, spinners Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin dismantled the Windies batting lineup, while openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma piled on the runs. This series win not only boosted India’s World Test Championship standings but also marked a fitting tribute to the format’s enduring legacy amid the T20 frenzy. Fans erupted in joy, with social media ablaze: “November’s gift to cricket lovers—a series that reminded us why Tests are timeless.”
Hockey’s Centennial Surge: Golds, Bronzes, and Legacy Celebrations
November was a heartfelt homecoming for Indian hockey, coinciding with the sport’s centenary celebrations that kicked off on November 7 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi. The festivities blended nostalgia with new triumphs. The junior men’s team clinched a historic bronze at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, a podium finish that echoed the glory of past Olympic golds. Meanwhile, at the Asian Masters Hockey Cup 2025 in Hong Kong, both the men’s and women’s veteran teams bagged double gold, proving that passion for the game transcends age. These achievements, set against the backdrop of 100 years of “hockey glory,” reaffirmed India’s unyielding bond with the stick and ball.
Athletics: Ultra Endurance and Record-Breaking Feats
In the sweat-soaked arenas of endurance, November belonged to ultra-runner Amar Singh Devanda. On November 23, at the Asia Oceania 100km Ultra Championship in Bangkok, Devanda clocked a staggering national record time of 6:59:37 to claim gold, outpacing fierce international competition. This wasn’t just a win; it was a testament to the grit of Indian athletes pushing human limits. Devanda, a rising star from Rajasthan, dedicated his medal to the unsung heroes of rural athletics, inspiring a surge in ultra-running registrations across the country.
Badminton Brilliance: Finals Glory at Syed Modi International
The badminton courts in Lucknow buzzed with Indian flair during the Syed Modi International 2025 (November 25-30). Veteran Kidambi Srikanth stormed into the men’s singles final, blending finesse with firepower, while the women’s doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand advanced to the championship match, showcasing seamless synergy. These deep runs highlighted the depth of Indian badminton talent, from seasoned pros to promising juniors like Aditya Kiran, who snagged gold at the UAE Badminton Junior Elite Tour Finals. As the shuttle zipped across nets, it carried dreams of Olympic podiums yet to come.
Khelo India University Games: Nurturing Tomorrow’s Champions
Rounding out the month’s festivities, the Khelo India University Games 2025 (November 24–December 5) in Rajasthan unearthed raw talent across 20 disciplines. Highlights included Meenakshi Rohilla’s gold in women’s cycling on opening day and Jain University’s dominance in swimming. In football, the University of Calicut clinched the men’s title via a dramatic shootout victory over Guru Nanak Dev University. With over 4,000 athletes competing, the Games weren’t just about medals—they were a launchpad for India’s future sporting ecosystem, aligning perfectly with the month’s theme of inclusive excellence.
A Nation Inspired: The Ripple Effect of November’s Triumphs
November 2025 wasn’t merely a collection of victories; it was a narrative of resilience, diversity, and unbridled ambition. From kabaddi’s raw power to cricket’s strategic depth, these highlights—immortalized in Doordarshan Sports’ must-watch video—remind us that Indian sports is no longer an underdog story but a force of nature. As athletes like Devanda and the kabaddi queens light the path, one thing is clear: 2026 will build on this momentum. For now, let’s celebrate a month that made every Indian heart beat a little faster.
