Mumbai Indians Player photo won an award | Sunil Chhetri’s 100th Match Shot Wins ISPA 2025 Award

Celebrating Excellence in Indian Sports Photography​

The world of Indian sports photography witnessed a historic moment as Nikhil Patil, a Mumbai-based photographer, clinched the top honor at the inaugural Indian Sports Photography Awards (ISPA) 2025. His breathtaking capture of Sunil Chhetri’s iconic 100th match for the Indian national team took center stage at the Bangalore International Centre, where the event celebrated the country’s finest visual storytellers.

Patil’s image, immortalizing Chhetri’s heartfelt moment of gratitude towards the crowd, stood out among a sea of exceptional entries. The ISPA, established to recognize and honor those who bring sports to life through their lens, marked a new chapter in India’s sports photography landscape.

While Patil secured the top prize, the competition saw other outstanding talents being recognized. Neha Ganeriwal claimed the second position for her compelling shot in the Women in Sports category, while Sandeep Parshuram Pangerkar’s cricket capture earned him the third spot.

The esteemed judging panel was led by Olympic medalist Gagan Narang, who emphasized the significance of sports photography in storytelling. Narang, though unable to attend the event in person, had his fellow juror, renowned sports journalist Sharda Ugra, announce the winners on his behalf. Reflecting on the winners, Narang stated, “Sports photography goes beyond capturing action; it freezes moments that inspire generations and celebrate the essence of sport. Each winning frame tells a powerful story.”

The celebrated athlete further analyzed the winning photographs, noting the sheer impact they had on viewers. “Simon Biles’ image captures a moment of incredible effort and perseverance, making us appreciate the dedication athletes put into their careers. Chhetri’s iconic shot, where he acknowledges the crowd, symbolizes grit, determination, and passion. Meanwhile, the cricket image is visually striking, with all subjects caught mid-air, encapsulating the beauty of the game. Each of these photographs perfectly showcases the relentless motion in an athlete’s life.”

Paul R, Founder of the Positive Sports Vibe Community and the driving force behind ISPA, expressed his excitement about the competition’s success. “ISPA was envisioned to celebrate those who bring the vibrancy of sports to life through photography. This inaugural edition has laid the foundation for a future where the power of sports photography is recognized and appreciated in India. The immense talent showcased this year is just the beginning of something truly phenomenal.”

The overwhelming success of ISPA 2025 has already paved the way for the event to become an annual tradition. By acknowledging the efforts of sports photographers, it not only honors their work but also inspires a new generation of visual storytellers. With such a strong debut, ISPA is set to be a prominent fixture in the Indian sports calendar, ensuring that the dynamic and emotional world of sports continues to be captured through extraordinary lenses.