 "Independence Day 2024: Top 13 sportspersons of independent India")
Sports has been an integral part of India’s culture. From dominance in hockey as a newly independent nation to the shift towards cricket, India’s interest in sports has been ever-present.
As the country celebrates their 78th Independence Day, some of the athletes - Olympians and world champions - have made their talents tell across different spheres. They’ve brought India glory and laurels and been an inspiration for many.
A look at some of India’s greatest sportspersons:
Sushil Kumar
Sushil Kumar is one of India’s most accomplished wrestlers, securing two Olympic medals: a bronze in Beijing 2008 and a silver in London 2012. He also won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and World Championships, solidifying his position as a trailblazer in Indian wrestling and inspiring future generations. However, his life hit a downturn after being charged with murder of a junior wrestler and was arrested.
Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra is a javelin thrower who made history by winning India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. His performance has not only elevated the profile of Indian athletics globally but also inspired a new generation of athletes to pursue excellence in track and field.
PT Usha
PT Usha, often referred to as the “Queen of Indian Track and Field,” is a legendary sprinter who won numerous medals at the Asian Games and Asian Championships. She narrowly missed an Olympic medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, finishing fourth by a fraction of a second. She is now the president of the Indian Olympic Association.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsMilkha Singh
Milkha Singh, known as the “Flying Sikh,” is one of India’s most iconic athletes. He won gold medals in the 1958 and 1962 Asian Games and finished fourth in the 400m at the 1960 Rome Olympics. His story of perseverance and achievement continues to inspire athletes across India and the world.
Abhinav Bindra
Abhinav Bindra is India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, achieving this historic feat in the 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His success marked a significant milestone in Indian sports, highlighting the importance of precision and mental fortitude in competitive shooting.
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “God of Cricket,” is one of the greatest batters in the history of cricket. With a career spanning over two decades, he holds numerous records, including the most runs and centuries in international cricket, and played a pivotal role in popularising the sport in India.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is one of the most prolific batsmen in modern cricket and a former captain of the Indian cricket team. Known for his aggressive batting style and exceptional leadership, he has numerous records to his name, including the fastest to 10,000 ODI runs, making him a global cricketing icon.
Viswanathan Anand
Viswanathan Anand, a five-time World Chess Champion, is one of the greatest chess players of all time. He became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988 and has played a crucial role in popularising chess in India, inspiring a new generation of chess enthusiasts and players across the country.
Leander Paes
Leander Paes is one of India’s most successful tennis players, particularly in doubles and mixed doubles formats. With eight doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles, he has been a dominant force in international tennis. His bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics was India’s first individual Olympic medal in 44 years.
Mary Kom
Mary Kom, a six-time world boxing champion, is one of India’s most celebrated athletes. She won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and has been a pioneer in women’s boxing, advocating for gender equality and inspiring young women across India to pursue careers in sports.
PV Sindhu
PV Sindhu is one of India’s most successful badminton players, having won multiple World Championship medals and an Olympic silver medal in 2016, followed by a bronze in 2021. Her achievements have not only brought glory to India but have also significantly increased the popularity of badminton in the country.
Sunil Chhetri
Former captain of the Indian football team, Chhetri is one of the most prolific goal-scorers in international football. He has played a pivotal role in elevating the status of Indian football globally. He retired from the sport earlier this year.
Balbir Singh Sr.
Balbir Singh Sr. was a legendary field hockey player, known for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities. He was a key member of the Indian team that won three consecutive Olympic gold medals (1948, 1952, and 1956). His contributions to Indian hockey are remembered as some of the greatest in the sport’s history.
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