Through classic movies like Chak De! India and Dangal, cinema has often praised women in sports, popularizing these tales. Beyond the realm of film, however, several young girls have been motivated to pursue their dreams by real-life Indian sportswomen. A number of Indian women athletes made the country proud in 2024 with their incredible skill and tenacity. Here are 12 remarkable women who had a lasting impact on Indian sports this year.
Bhaker Manu
At the 2024 Olympics, Manu Bhaker became the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal, making history. Among her accomplishments are two bronze medals, which make her the first Indian woman to win many medals in the same sport. In addition to shooting, Manu is quite good in martial arts, boxing, and skating.
Lekhara Avani
At the 2024 Paralympics, Avani Lekhara made history by taking home two gold medals. She initially gained notoriety at the 2020 Summer Paralympics and has since shattered her own records, demonstrating that physical obstacles cannot stop her unwavering enthusiasm.
Devi Sheetal
In the mixed compound archery team event, 17-year-old para-archer Sheetal Devi won bronze, becoming him India’s youngest Paralympic medalist. Despite having a unique congenital defect at birth, she showed unmatched perseverance and learned to shoot an arrow using her lips, feet, and shoulders.
Pundole, Diana
By being the first Indian woman to win the 2024 MRF Indian National Car Racing Championship, Diana Pundole broke preconceptions. Diana, a mother of two and a former teacher who is now a racer, demonstrates that women may succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries without sacrificing their personal obligations.
Preethi Pal
At the 2024 Paralympics, Preethi Pal created history by winning two bronze medals in the 100- and 200-meter T35 events. Preethi, who was born with cerebral palsy, overcome physical obstacles and social prejudices by working hard and being determined.
Raj Sheetal
In 2024, Sheetal Raj became the first Indian woman to ascend the sixth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Cho Oyu. She is an experienced climber who has climbed both Everest and Kanchenjunga, encouraging women to take on difficulties and enjoy adventure.
Manisha Ramadass
Being the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal in badminton, Manisha Ramadass made a name for herself. In her first year, she won a world champion and ranked first in the world in para-badminton, despite having been diagnosed with Erb’s palsy.
Jeevanji Deepthi
By taking home a gold medal at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships, Deepthi Jeevanji increased India’s sense of pride. She was the first Indian athlete with an intellectual disability to win in the Paralympics in Paris, where she also took home bronze in the 400-meter T20 event.
Bayor Rupa
The first Indian taekwondo athlete to rank among the top 10 Poomsae in the world is Rupa Bayor, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh. She became the ninth-ranked athlete in her category after finding strength and concentration in taekwondo after losing her father when she was a little child.
Raju Rakshitha
At the 2024 Paralympics, Rakshitha Raju made history by competing in the T11 1500m event. She also won gold in the Asian Para Games, demonstrating her extraordinary drive and dedication despite being born with a vision handicap.
Sharma Simran
Simran Sharma, who ran with her coach Abhay Singh, took home bronze in the 2024 Paralympics’ T20 200-meter event. Her accomplishments demonstrate her unwavering drive for success in spite of her visual handicap.
Mir Bilquis
The first Indian woman to serve on a jury at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris was Bilquis Mir, a pioneer from Kashmir. She is a role model for aspiring athletes because of her experiences as a kayaker and canoeist and because she has broken down social boundaries.
It’s time to encourage young females to pursue sports outside of the confines of gender stereotypes. We could see more names added to the increasing list of outstanding Indian women in sports if we support their goals and interests.
