Malleswari’s achievements have left an indelible mark on Indian sports, and her influence continues to be felt to this day. In 1994, she received the Arjuna Award and in 1999, she received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India’s highest sporting honour, and the civilian Padma Shri award. Despite the prevailing adversity, Karnam Malleswari continued to strive for excellence. In 1998, she managed to secure a silver medal at the Asian Games, competing in her upgraded weight category.
- The incredible journey of Karnam Malleswari, India’s trailblazing weightlifter, didn’t begin on the grand stage of the Olympics but in a quaint village named Voosavanipeta, nestled in the heart of Andhra Pradesh.
- Her resolve was unwavering, as she attempted to lift a challenging 137.5 kilograms.
- She became the mother of a son in 2001 after which she was supposed to quit sports, but Karnam denied it all and prepared hard for the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
- Over the years, Indian cinema has celebrated the lives of various icons, from cricketers like MS Dhoni and athletes like MC Mary Kom, to legendary figures like Milkha Singh and the Phogat family.
- Despite the prevailing adversity, Karnam Malleswari continued to strive for excellence.
- In the Malleswari household, equal opportunities were not just words; they were a way of life.
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Shreyas Iyer relishing India spot as ‘blessing’ after heroics vs Pakistan
As the competition moved into the clean and jerk category, Karnam continued to shine. She lifted an impressive 130 kilograms, further confirming her podium finish. Her resolve was unwavering, as she attempted to lift a challenging 137.5 kilograms.
In 2000, Karnam qualified for the biggest stage of sports-Olympics and she eventually scripted her name in the history by crediting the nation its first and only Olympic medal (bronze) in weightlifting. Karnam Malleswari, born on June 1, 1975, in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, is an Indian weightlifter renowned for her trailblazing achievements. She etched her name in history books by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. Malleswari clinched bronze at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the 69 kg category, showcasing her prowess on the global stage. Her journey is one of resilience and dedication, overcoming societal barriers and financial constraints to reach the pinnacle of success in a male-dominated sport. Malleswari’s legacy extends beyond her medals, inspiring generations of aspiring athletes, especially women, across India.
Athletics in India
At the 1993 World Championships, she won bronze in the 54kg category, and in 1994, she became the first Indian woman weightlifter to win gold at the world championships. This achievement was followed by another gold in 1995 and a bronze in 1996, solidifying her position as a world-class weightlifter. She was appointed as the vice-chancellor of Sports University, established by the government of Delhi, in June 2021. Her foundation, the Karnam Malleswari Foundation, aims to promote weightlifting and powerlifting in India, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire and nurture future generations of athletes.
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Karnam Malleswari is associated with _______________.a.Footballb.Cricketc.Hockeyd.Weight Lifting
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This historic achievement made her an instant household name, earning her the nickname “The Iron Lady”. Impressed by her natural ability, Taranenko recommended image source her to the Bangalore Sports Institute. In her first junior national weightlifting championships in 1990, she broke nine national records in the 52kg category.
Her remarkable achievement not only marked a significant milestone in Indian sports but also paved the way for future generations of Indian women athletes. Karnam Malleswari was born on June 1, 1975, in Voosavanipeta village of Andhra Pradesh. She completed her schooling from ZZPG High School in Amadalavalasa and her father was a constable in the Railway protection force. At the age of 12, she started her career in weightlifting and trained by a well-known coach during that time Neelamshetty Appanna. She practiced gymnasium and weightlifting during her early days in her village. She has four sisters and all of them are professionally trained weightlifters.