India, a nation steeped in diverse cultures and traditions, has witnessed a transformative shift in the field of sports, thanks to a group of inspirational women who have broken through barriers, defied stereotypes, and left an indelible mark on the sporting landscape. These women, through their dedication, passion, and extraordinary achievements, have not only made a name for themselves but have also paved the way for future generations of female athletes. In this article, we celebrate some of the most inspirational Indian women in sports who continue to inspire and redefine the norms.
Mary Kom (Boxing)
Next on our list of greatest Indian female athletes is the multiple-time World Champion in boxing, Mary Kom. She is the only boxer (male or female) to win eight World Championship medals (six golds, one silver and one bronze). In addition, she won five Asian Championships gold medals too. Above all, she won a bronze at the 2012 London Olympics. She won the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award in 2009.
Mithali Raj (Cricket)
The recently retired former Indian captain has, over a two-decade-long career, become the face of the women’s game. She ended a fabled career with a number of milestones to her name, including being the top run-getter in women’s internationals, the leading ODI run-scorer in women’s cricket and the most successful captain in the women’s game (89 wins out of 155 as captain) to name a few. After retirement, Mithali has assumed a mentorship role with the Gujarat Giants franchise in the Women’s Premier League.
Saina Nehwal (Badminton)
She is the first Indian badminton player to win an Olympic medal. Saina Nehwal is one of the most acknowledged players in the world. She has made the nation proud with her achievements and is the first female and the second Indian shuttler to be ranked first in the world after Prakash Padukone. Saina Nehwal has won over 24 international titles, which includes 10 superseries titles. Considered one of the most successful Indian sportspersons. She is credited for increasing the popularity of badminton in India. She has been awarded Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan for her achievements.
Geeta & Babita Phogat (Wrestling)
The Phogat sisters are the most famous sportswomen in India. Geeta and Babita are the daughters of former wrestler and coach Mahavir Singh Phogat. Geeta and Babita have won gold medals in separate weight categories at the Commonwealth Games.
The Phogat family sisters’ accomplishment has caught significant media attention due to the societal difficulties in Haryana, including gender inequity, female feticides, and child marriage.
PV Sindhu (Badminton)
The current world number 3, PV Sindhu, is the first woman from the country to win a silver medal at the Summer Olympics. The fact that she made the achievement at the age of 21, makes it even more remarkable as she is now the youngest athlete from the country to make a podium finish in an individual event.
Deepika Kumari (Archery)
Deepika Kumari is an Indian athlete who competes in the event of archery and is currently ranked world number 9. Despite being a former World number 1 in archery, she never received the recognition she deserved. She was conferred the Arjuna Award, FICCI Sportsperson of the Year, and Padma Shri for her magnificent game.
Sania Mirza (Tennis)
Six-time Grand Slam champion in doubles, Sania Mirza had a dream start after her break from the tennis circuit in 2018 and 2019 due to injury and then pregnancy. In her very first tournament, she won the doubles title at the WTA Hobart International in January 2020. Mirza and her partner Nadiia Kichenok lifted the women’s doubles title after edging out No.2 seeded Shaui Peng and Shuai Zhang in the summit clash (6-4, 6-4). She will now be looking to make India proud in 2021 as well at the Tokyo Olympics. Mirza had fallen agonisingly short of the mixed doubles bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics with Rohan Bopanna.
Dipa Karmakar (Gymnastics)
The Olympian gymnast, Dipa Karmakarhas proved the fact that anything can happen with true dedication and courage. She was born in Agartala and touched the pinnacle of success by representing India at a global level. Dipa is one of five notable female gymnasts to have attempted Produnova, one of the most difficult vaults in gymnastics.
She competed for India in the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. She is also a Padma Shri and has been one of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardees. As a sportsperson, she is an inspiration to many people. Ever since her first stint in state-level championships, she hasn’t eaten sweets. She also trains for 8 hours a day.
Sakshi Malik (Wrestling)
Sakshi’s bronze in wrestling ended India’s medal drought at the Rio Olympics, 2016 and that instantly made her an inspiration for billions of Indians. She is also the most famous sports women.
The 2016 Summer Olympics at Rio de Janeiro was quite nightmarish for the Indian contingent, only winning two medals. The silver lining? Both were won by women and Sakshi was one of them. With this feat, she became the first Indian female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics. Belonging to a family that consisted of wrestlers, Sakshi picked up the sport at the young age of 12.
Rani Rampal (Hockey)
Rampal is an important part of the Indian Hockey team. Her rise-to-the-fame match was Champion’s Challenge Tournament where she was adjudged ‘the top goal scorer” and the “young player of the tournament. At the age of 15, she became the youngest player to be a part of the national team in the 2010 World Cup.
