If we talk about bringing honour to any country, well one word that expresses it all is Olympics! Ever since the beginning of the human race, sports have been important to scale the skills of an individual, they help not only to improve health but also to improve the overall personality. And Olympics is where it all takes place together.
The Olympics are an international sports event which are held every four years. These are the Summer and Winter Games (alternating by occurring every four years but two years apart). There are numerous events in which over 200 participants take part. The International Olympics Committee was formed in 1894 and soon in 1896, first Olympics took place in Athens. Initially, there were only Summer Sports, then the Winter Olympics and the Paralympic Games. Olympic sports have gained recognition across the globe and this is evident from the fact that in 2016 Brazil Olympics more than 200 countries participated which is much more than the 14 countries that participated in Athens.
India first participated in the Olympics in 1900. The Indian Athletes have won a total of 28 medals so far, in which there are 9 Gold medals, 7 Silver medals and 12 Bronze medals. All these medals have been won at the Summer Games. India also started participating in Winter Olympics from 1964. There have been many great athletes who have contributed to these achievements in the Olympics, so we bring to you the list of 10 Most Popular Olympics Medalist in India who we are proud of:
1. Abhinav Bindra
The first name who is undoubtedly the most popular name among most Olympic winners is of Abhinav Bindra. He was the first ever, individual sports player in India to win the gold medal. He is the former Wolrd Champion and also the Olympics Champion in the 10-meter air rifle event. He won this prestigious award in the Summer Olympics of Bejing, 2008. He was also the first to hold the title of World Champion and Olympics Gold Medalist both together.
2. Dhyan Chand
Dhyanchand is a name that no one can leave when talking about great sports personalities. He was not just a hockey player but one of the greatest hockey players who ever lived. He was the captain of the Indian team and lead it to win gold in 1936 Berlin Olympics. He has aided in bringing three gold medals to India in 1928, 1932 and 1936. For his brilliant ball control and play style, he was also known as ‘The Magician’ and ‘The Wizard’.
3. Vijender Singh
The next popular sports personality well known for his international achievements is Vijendra Singh. He has won many Professional Middleweight Boxing events and international titles, and some of them include the Bronze Medal at Bejing Olympics in 2008, Gold medal at the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010 and many other. He is currently the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight Champion and WBO Oriental Super Middleweight Champion.
4. P.V. Sindhu
Leading the way for women sports, P.V. Sindhu is a popular sports personality who has contributed greatly towards encouraging women’s sports in India. She is a professional badminton player and has won about 19 international medals and that includes the Silver medal at 2016, Rio De Janeiro. She was just 17 when she gained international attention and got into the BWF World Rankings. Presently, she stands at 3rd position in this ranking for Women’s Singles.
5. Sushil Kumar
Sushil Kumar Solanki is an Indian Freestyle wrestler who has made the country proud by bringing home two Olympic medals. He is first Indian to have achieved this accomplishment. In 2008, Bejing Olympics he won his Bronze medal and later in 2012, London Olympics he won his Silver Medal in wrestling. Also, he won 3 gold medals in three different Commonwealth Games and also he won Gold in 2010, Moscow Wolrd Championship.
6. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is the next popular name on this list of Indian Olympic Medalists. He won the Silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and over 25 International Medals at several championships in the Double Trap Event. He is not only well known for his achievements in sports but also for his various achievements in Defence Services. He was awarded the Sword of Honor for the best all-round Gentleman Cadet in IMA.
7. Saina Nehwal
The next name who is a very popular Indian Olympic medalist is Saina Nehwal. She is former world no. 1 and has won over 23 international titles. She won the Bronze medal at the London Olympics in 2012. In 2015, she became the first-ever Indian female to become world no.1 and 2nd overall, after Prakash Padukone. Saina Nehwal has been many prestigious awards by the Indian Government such as Padma Vibhushan, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratan and also Arjuna Award.
8. Mary Kom
Chungneijang Mary Kom Hmangte, popularly known as Mary Kom is the next name on our list. She is a professional boxer and gained popularity after becoming the first female Indian boxer at an international level. She has won the Bronze medal at 2012, London Olympics. She was won over 6 World Championships. Mary Kom also placed at no.1 rank in the AIBA World Women’s Ranking Light Category. She has won over 18 international titles.
9. Leander Paes
Another legendary sportsman on this list is none other than Leander Paes. He is considered to be one of the best doubles and mixed doubles tennis player ever. He has accomplished many achievements in tennis and that includes winning eight doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. He has won many prestigious Indian awards such as Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, Padma Vibhushan and many more.
10. Sakshi Malik
The final name we have on this list is of Sakshi Malik. Being an accomplished freestyle wrestler, she has contributed highly towards the encouragement of Women Wrestling. Sakshi Malik has won many national and international titles. She brought home the Bronze Medal from 2016, Rio De Janeiro Olympics. She is the first female to have achieved this accomplishment. She has participated in the Pro Wrestling League as well.