19 September - Karnam Malleswari becomes the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in 2000

 

On 19 September 2000, Karnam Malleswari made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. She achieved this feat at the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics, where she won a bronze medal in weightlifting, competing in the women's 69 kg category.

Malleswari lifted a total of 240 kg, securing her place on the podium and marking a significant milestone for Indian women in sports. Her achievement was particularly groundbreaking, as it showcased Indian women's potential on the global sports stage and inspired many future athletes.

Her victory remains a celebrated moment in Indian Olympic history, and she is regarded as a trailblazer for women athletes in the country.

Early Life and Career:

• Born on 01 June 1975, in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, Malleswari began weightlifting at the age of 12. Coming from a humble background, she had to overcome several obstacles, including financial constraints and limited resources.
• She trained rigorously under the guidance of prominent coaches and quickly rose to prominence in the national and international weightlifting scene.

Achievements Prior to Sydney Olympics:

• Before her Olympic glory, Malleswari had already established herself as one of the top weightlifters in the world.
• She won the World Weightlifting Championship in 1994 and 1995, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat.
• At the 1998 Asian Games, she earned a bronze medal, further solidifying her place among elite weightlifters.

Sydney 2000 Olympics:

• At the Sydney Olympics, Malleswari competed in the 69 kg weightlifting category.
• She successfully lifted 110 kg in the snatch and 130 kg in the clean and jerk, for a total of 240 kg, which earned her the bronze medal.
• Malleswari had the potential to win gold but missed a 137.5 kg lift in her final attempt in the clean and jerk, which would have propelled her to the top spot.
• Despite this, her achievement of winning India’s first-ever women’s Olympic medal was a historic and proud moment for the country.

Significance of the Win:

• Malleswari’s bronze medal was India's first Olympic medal in 4 years, after Leander Paes's bronze in tennis at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
• More importantly, it was India's first-ever Olympic medal by a woman, breaking gender barriers and inspiring future generations of female athletes in a nation where sports, particularly for women, did not receive as much attention or investment.
• Her win also boosted the visibility of weightlifting in India and encouraged more young women to take up the sport.

Legacy:

• Karnam Malleswari's triumph paved the way for future women Olympic medalists like Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, and Sakshi Malik.
• For her contributions to Indian sports, she was honored with prestigious awards, including the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (India’s highest sporting honor) and the Padma Shri (India’s fourth-highest civilian award).
• After her retirement from competitive sports, she continues to contribute to weightlifting in India as a coach and mentor, and in 2021, she was appointed as the first vice-chancellor of Delhi Sports University.

Malleswari's Olympic success remains a symbol of perseverance and determination, and she is celebrated as a trailblazer who shattered societal norms and achieved greatness on the world stage.