Women in India are touching heights in every field, whether it is technology, entrepreneurship or even sports. With the entry of some sportswomen, sports no longer remain a male-dominated field. At the time when women were only meant to do household chores, some came out of their shells and followed their passion. Nilima Ghose, P T Usha, and P V Sindhu are the most influential Indian women in sports who not only made the nation proud but also continue to inspire the next generation to achieve their goals. Well, the more we say about these faces, the less it is. So, let’s meet the most influential sportswomen in India without further ado.
Nation’s Pride: Most Influential Indian Women In Sports
From badminton, tennis, and cricket to athletics, Indian women have marked their presence in every sport. They have made significant contributions to international tournaments like the Women’s Cricket World Cup and the Olympics. Some names like Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, and Smriti Mandhana have become popular due to the advancement of technology—Social Media. However, those who inspired them to follow their heart remained behind the scenes. This blog contains the most influential Indian women in sports from then to now!
1.Nilima Ghose (Track Athlete)89
When we talk about the most influential Indian women in sports, Nilima Ghose is the first name on the list. She was just 17 when she earned a spot in the Indian contingent for the 1952 Finland Olympics. Nilima’s love for running helped her to reach great heights in sports. She pursues her dreams with unwavering passion and determination, and her journey inspires lots of women in India.
Achievement: First Indian woman to compete in the Olympics
2. P T Usha (Track Athlete) 59
P T Usha is one of the top 10 female sports players in India. Also known as the ‘Queen of Indian track and field’, P T Usha is an inspiration to all the athletes across the globe. She represented India in the Russian Olympics in 1980 and then participated & earned medals in several tournaments. Thus, she became one of the most influential Indian women in sports. From poverty to struggle, she bared a lot. But her extraordinary commitment to sports helped her to make her career in sports and become an iconic star.
Achievement: Received Padma Shri Award
3. Bula Chowdhary (Swimming) 54
Bula Chowdhary chose to pursue her career in swimming at an early age. Her parents recognised her talent and pushed her towards swimming. From national competitions to international events, she participated worldwide and bagged several medals. With so many achievements, she became one of the most influential Indian women in sports.
Achievement: Received Arjuna Award and Padma Shri
4. Karnam Malleshwari (Weightlifter) 49
A well-known name in the Indian sports industry. Karnam Malleshwari proved that weightlifting is not exclusive to men and inspired many women to do so. She was 12 when she started getting training for weightlifting. Her passion and dedication made her one of the top female sports players in India.
Achievements: Received Arjuna Award, Padma Shri and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award
5. Anju Bobby Goerge (Long Jump High Jump) 47
Anju Bobby Goerge is one of the most influential Indian women in sports. In her school time, she was a talented and all-rounder student. She soon recognised her skills in long jumping and chose to make her career as an athlete. Anju motivates all the growing girls who want to make their parents proud.
Achievements: Arjuna Award, Khel Ratna Award & Padma Shri Award
6. Mary Kom (Boxer) 41
Who does not know ‘Mary Kom’? A boxer and one of the most famous sportswomen in the world. She is one of the most influential Indian women in sports who encouraged all those women who really want to make their nation proud. Mary represented the country on the international level several times and bagged a list of achievements, including six world championships and a commonwealth gold medal. She is not only India’s but an international face, inspiring women globally.
Achievements: Padma Bhushan Award, Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Padma Vibhushan
7. Mithali Raj (Cricket) 41
Mithali Raj is one of the top 10 female sports players in India. Her exceptional batting skills made her achieve a milestone in cricket. She is considered a masterstroke in cricket as she is the first Indian woman in 20 years to bat from her right hand. However, she belongs to a wealthy family. Mithali chose cricket as her career to chase her calling. Mithali is one of the most influential Indian women in sports who ignites others’ dreams.
Achievements: Leading run scorer for Indian in all formats, including Test, ODI and T20Is and scored over 1,000 World Cup runs.
8. Saina Nehwal (Badminton) 34
Saina Nehwal is a popular sports name in India. In fact, she has made her presence globally with her exceptional playing skills, which have allowed her to participate in international games. Saina has achieved several milestones and become the only woman to win at least one medal in at least every major event, including the Olympics, BWF World Championship, and BWF Junior Championship. Not to mention, Nehwal is one of the most influential Indian women in sports.
Achievements: Several medals and Arjuna, Padma Shri, major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna & Padma Bhushan Award
9. Sakshi Malik (Wrestler) 31
Another popular sports face in the world is Sakshi Malik, who is also one of the most influential Indian women in sports. She is a former freestyle wrestler who motivates all women to follow her passion regardless of how intense it is. Her father, a busy conductor of Delhi Transportation Corporation, motivated her to take up wrestling. This shows that parents are the backbone behind their kids’ success.
Achievements: Padma Shri and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna
10. P V Sindhu (Badminton) 28
P V Sindhu has become a global sports star. She is known as the one of the successful sports women as she won several medals and awards at various tournaments in national and international events. She got inspiration from her parents who both are former volleyball players. Not to mention, she is the esteemed and most influential Indian women in sports who continue to encourage the next several generations.
Achievements: Honored by Arjuna Award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan
11. Dutee Chand (Athlete) 28
Dutee is a sprinter who became an inspiring sports personality when she won a gold medal in the 100m race at the 2016 Rio Games. Her dedication and attitude towards racing are unbeatable, which made her one of the most influential Indian women in sports.
Achievements: Won several Silver & Gold medals in international events
These golden faces are the pride of India, which represents the country globally. The forthcoming generation gets inspiration from them and commits to their interest. If you love sports, then do not do much to pursue your dreams. Indian Sports is ready to welcome you with open arms!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the 5 famous Indian sportswomen?
Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal, Sania Mirza, P V Sindhu and P T Usha are a few famous sportswomen in India.
Who was the first woman in sports?
Nilima Ghose is the first Indian woman in sports.
Who is the richest female sportsperson in India?
PV Sindhu is the richest female sportsperson in India, with an approximate net worth of $8.5 million.
Who is the first female to win an Olympic medal in India?
Karnam Malleswari is the first Indian to win an Olympic medal.
Which is the richest sport in the world?
Soccer, commonly known as Football, is considered the richest sport in the world.
