While there are many many more, here we list 20 formidable women from different walks of ‘sports’.
And take a small glimpse into their (otherwise) vast wealth of accomplishments and achievements.
Sania Mirza, Tennis
Sania Mirza
Former World No.1 (in women’s doubles), and the highest-ranked singles female player India has ever produced, Sania Mirza is a ‘grand slams’ winner and a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia.
Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa, Badminton
Jwala Gutta, Ashwini Ponnappa
Having won Gold at the Commonwealth Games 2010, Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa still remain India’s most successful women’s doubles pair.
Heena Sidhu, Shooting
Heena Sidhu
Heena Sidhu is the first Indian pistol shooter to have won a Gold medal at the ISSF World Cup (2013) and hold the coveted World No.1 ranking (2014).
Rani Rampal, Hockey
Rani Rampal
At age 14, Rani Rampal made her senior India debut and became the youngest player in the history of Indian hockey. She is the current captain of the Indian women’s hockey team.
Lalita Babbar, Athletics
Lalita Babbar
Lalita Babbar is the FICCI Sportsperson of the Year 2015.
PV Sindhu, Badminton
PV Sindhu
PV Sindhu is the first Indian woman to win an Olympic Silver medal (2016).
Saina Nehwal, Badminton
Saina Nehwal
Former World No. 1, Saina Nehwal has won an Olympic Bronze medal (2012).
Deepika Kumari, Archery
Deepika Kumari
Former World No.1, Deepika Kumari is the FICCI Sportsperson of the Year 2014.
Deepa Karmakar, Gymnastics
Deepa Karmakar
Deepa Karmakar is the first Indian female gymnast to compete in the Olympics (2016). She landed in an incredible 4th position
Geeta, Babita and Vinesh Phogat, Wrestling
Phogats
While Geeta Phogat brought home India’s first ever Commonwealth Gold (2010) medal in wrestling, her sisters Babita and Vinesh won Gold medals at the Commonwealth Games 2014.
Aditi Ashok, Golf
Aditi Ashok
Aditi Ashok is the first Indian to have received the Ladies European Tour (LET) ‘Rookie of the Year’ award and claim a European Tour title (by winning the Women’s Indian Open 2016).
Dipika Pallikal, Squash
Dipika Pallikal
Dipika Pallikal is the first Indian woman squash player to break into the top 10 in the PSA Women’s rankings. She also holds India’s first Commonwealth Gold (2014) in squash, along with doubles partner Joshana Chinappa.
Sakshi Malik, Wrestling
Sakshi Malik
By winning Bronze (2016), Sakshi Malik became the first Indian female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics.
Deepa Malik, Shot Put
Deepa Malik
Deepa Malik is the first Indian woman to win a medal in the Paralympic Games. She won Silver at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in shot put.
Jhulan Goswami, Cricket
Jhulan Goswami
Jhulan Goswami is the first Indian woman to have won ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2007).
Mary Kom, Boxing
Mary Kom
Mary Kom is a five-time world champion and also the first Indian woman boxer to win an Olympic medal.
Mithali Raj, Cricket
Mithali Raj
A two-time World Cup finalist, Mithali Raj is the current captain of the Indian women’s cricket team and also holds the No. 1 spot in the latest ICC ODI rankings for batswomen.
Olympians and Arjuna Awardees galore, need we say more about these incredibly inspiring Indian sportswomen!
– Varun Kumar | SpreadSports
