It is no secret that sports in all its formats have never been more impactful on the lives of girls and women. However, they are giving absolutely everything in sports-related fields to break gender stereotypes and social norms and show men and women as equals in modern society.
Although several Indian women actively took part in the Olympics, only 5 Indian women have won an Olympic medal. They all deserve huge respect for making the country proud. Let’s take a look at the five Indian women athletes who brought glory to India.
5. Karnam Malleswari
Meet Karnam Malleswari- She is the first Indian woman to ever win an Olympic medal. Scores of Indians were waiting for women to make a huge impact in the game and finally, Malleswari did her best and settled for the bronze medal at the Sydney Olympics in the Women’s 69 kg category in Weightlifting.
4. Mary Kom
In the London Olympics, boxing (for women) was introduced as a sport for the very first time. India was led by six-time world champion Mary Kom who was the only Indian to qualify for the event.
Unfortunately, she lost to Nicola Adams of the UK in the semi-final and finished third in the competition. She won an Olympic Bronze medal.
3. Sakshi Malik
Here comes Sakshi who is a professional Freestyle Wrestler. She did India proud by becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal in Wrestling where she settled for bronze in Women’s 58 kg freestyle wrestling in 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio.
2. Saina Nehwal
Saina Nehwal was the first Indian woman athlete to win a medal in Badminton at the Olympics by clinching the Bronze medal at the London Olympics 2012 on 4 August 2012.
1. PV Sindhu
Another interesting thing about PV Sindhu is that she became the youngest Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. She also became the first-ever Indian woman to win the Silver medal at the Olympics by reaching the Badminton final at Rio Olympics 2016. Nonetheless, she lost to Carolina Marín of Spain in the final on 19 August 2016.