Did you know?
In 2000, weightlifter Karnam Malleswari from Andhra Pradesh won a bronze medal at the Sydney Olympics. She became the first Indian woman ever to win an Olympic medal!
Chess star Koneru Humpy from Andhra Pradesh became a grandmaster in 2002, aged just 15. She was then the youngest woman ever to earn the title. She won the Women's World Rapid Chess Championship in 2019 and 2024.
In 2001, Pullela Gopichand won the All England Open, a top badminton tournament. He was only the second Indian to win it, after Prakash Padukone in 1980. Later, he started a badminton academy in Hyderabad.
Try this: Champions Through the Years
Ask three family members of different ages: 'Which Indian sports star did you cheer for when you were my age?' Write down each star's name, sport and one big win. Find the year of each win together. Then draw a timeline on a long strip of paper, from the oldest win to the newest. Add your own favourite champion at the end!
Go further: Aiming with Her Feet
Sheetal Devi, from Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir, was born without arms. She learned archery in her own way: she shoots using her feet, with a small device on her shoulder that helps release the arrow. At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, aged 17, she won a bronze medal in the mixed team event with Rakesh Kumar. Her story shows that there is more than one way to reach a goal!