2015 Look Back: Top Indian Sports And Sports Persons

From the crowning of Saina Nehwal and Sania Mirza  (women’s doubles) as numero unos in their respective sports to Anirban Lahiri’s European tryst on the golf course; from Indian hockey clawing back into the top echelons of the world to Aditi Chauhan making waves on a different turf — individuals and teams put their best foot forward in the year preceding the Rio Games.

- Uthra Ganesan

While cricket, both on and off the field, held the country’s imagination throughout the year, 2015 also saw Olympic sports stake a claim to a share of the spotlight. From the crowning of Saina Nehwal and Sania Mirza (women’s doubles) as numero unos in their respective sports to Anirban Lahiri’s European tryst on the golf course; from Indian hockey clawing back into the top echelons of the world to Aditi Chauhan making waves on a different turf — individuals and teams put their best foot forward in the year preceding the Rio Games. Here’s a look-back at the peaks Indian sports and sports persons touched.

The Year Of Sania Mirza

Ten 10 WTA doubles titles in 2015, including the Wimbledon and the U.S. Open Grand Slams and the year-end WTA Finals, a 22-match winning streak and the World No. 1 ranking — Sania Mirza will remember 2015 for a long time. She and Martina Hingis have been unstoppable on the pro tour and were named World Champions by the International Tennis Federation in the last week of December.

Saina Crowned No. 1

Starting the year with a title at the Syed Modi India Open Grand Prix tournament, defeating current World No. 1 Carolina Marin, Saina ensured there was no slacking off. Becoming the first Indian woman to be ranked World No. 1, a best-ever finish — a second place — for an Indian woman at the All-England Championships and another historic silver medal at the World Championships, her rivalry with Marin is developing into an exciting clash of styles.

Indian Hockey In The Spotlight